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Today's brief covers a diverse range of topics, including reentry mission approvals, leadership changes in the Space Development Agency, and innovative military satellite communications.
WESTFORD NEEDLES (00628)
COSPAR: 1963-014F | Alt Name: Midas solar array cover
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
00628
International Designator
1963-014F
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 00:53:57 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
87.34°
Right Ascension
201.70°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
134.15°
Period
166.79 min
Mean Motion
8.63 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
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 00628U 63014F 26185.03747588 .00000003 00000-0 00000-0 0 9997
2 00628 87.3427 201.7012 0022542 134.1487 226.1224 8.63374696990419
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
0.4595
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Strongback [RCS 1.0]
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
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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