WESTFORD NEEDLES (00602)

COSPAR: 1963-014E | Alt Name: Midas solar array cover

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

00602

International Designator

1963-014E

Epoch

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 23:15:37 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

87.35°

Right Ascension

188.09°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

40.98°

Period

166.04 min

Mean Motion

8.67 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

Midas solar array cover

Type

Debris

Status

Space Junk

Owner

AFSSD

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 00602U 63014E   26184.96917948 -.00000016  00000-0 -86482-2 0  9995
2 00602  87.3531 188.0931 0014816  40.9820 319.2147  8.67238961999295

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

1.5

Diameter

0.3

Span

1.5

Dry Mass

10

Launch Mass

10

Shape

Pan

Radar Cross Section

0.5152

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Strongback [RCS 0.4]

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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