Launch Date
May 9, 1963
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
LC1-2
Launch Vehicle
Atlas Agena B
NORAD ID
05702
International Designator
1963-014CU
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:12:31 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
86.13°
Right Ascension
60.95°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
137.11°
Period
164.37 min
Mean Motion
8.76 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Name
WESTFORD NEEDLES
Alternative Name
West Ford dipoles
Type
Status
Owner
AFSSD
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
1 05702U 63014CU 26185.09202993 .00005565 00000-0 34673+0 0 9997
2 05702 86.1349 60.9460 1926901 137.1145 239.7314 8.76074567428410
Source: Celestrak
Length
0
Diameter
0
Span
0
Dry Mass
0
Launch Mass
0
Shape
N/A
Radar Cross Section
0.1965
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
RCS 0.20
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
Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Today's brief covers the Army's move to create a space career field for enlisted soldiers, Terran Orbital's involvement in a Space Force tech program, advancements in missile warning systems, a first flight test by Inversion Space, and more.
SpaceX's Crew-10 astronauts are set to return to Earth, while Impulse Space takes strides in spacecraft capabilities. Additionally, SpaceX prepares to launch 24 Amazon Project Kuiper satellites.
Key developments include political attention on SpaceX's ISS crew return and competition forecasts between SpaceX and ULA for national security missions.
Today's highlights include SpaceX's rapid Starlink launches, insights into China's Mars sample return mission, and ULA's future launch plans. Also, a new Space Force general takes the reins of the U.S. missile defense program.
SpaceX secures major contracts for U.S. national security launches, including multiple Falcon Heavy missions. Significant updates on Starlink deployments and the ongoing evolution of the company highlight a productive day in the space sector.
NASA's Artemis II launches 4 astronauts on lunar flyby April 1. Soyuz-5 inaugural flight confirmed for April 3. Space warfare doctrines shift toward agentic AI for faster decision loops.
Boeing opens new facility to boost missile-tracking sensor production for military satellites. Tory Bruno joins Blue Origin for national security projects. 25 Starlink sats launched.
SpaceX flew a Falcon 9 booster for a record 35th time on July 10, deploying 29 Starlink satellites as direct-to-cell tech expands to pet collars.
