WESTFORD NEEDLES (02949)

COSPAR: 1963-014AS | Alt Name: West Ford dipoles

Image
WESTFORD NEEDLES Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

May 9, 1963

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

LC1-2

Launch Vehicle

Atlas Agena B

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

02949

International Designator

1963-014AS

Epoch

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 18:26:11 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

85.52°

Right Ascension

355.57°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

66.17°

Period

162.54 min

Mean Motion

8.86 rev/day

Latitude

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Longitude

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Altitude

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Velocity

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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

WESTFORD NEEDLES

Alternative Name

West Ford dipoles

Type

Debris

Status

Space Junk

Owner

AFSSD

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 02949U 63014AS  26184.76818497  .00001767  00000-0  34534-1 0  9990
2 02949  85.5231 355.5739 2320297  66.1675 356.8664  8.85924041397270

Source: Celestrak

Summary
Space debris, also known as space junk, encompasses all non-functional objects orbiting Earth such as defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from collisions or disintegrations. Over time, this debris can accumulate and create an increasingly hazardous environment in orbit. Even tiny fragments, traveling at extremely high velocities, can inflict significant damage on operational satellites and spacecraft. If left unmanaged, the density of debris raises the risk of catastrophic collisions and further fragmentation, compounding the problem and threatening the safety and sustainability of space activities.
Physical Characteristics

Length

0

Diameter

0

Span

0

Dry Mass

0

Launch Mass

0

Shape

N/A

Radar Cross Section

0.2126

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

RCS 0.22

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

Unknown

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Unknown

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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