🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
West Ford Drag dispenser
Retired 1962West Ford Drag dispenser (NORAD 18603, COSPAR 1962 KAP 7) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 9 May 1962, launched on 9 Apr 1962. It was operated by AFSSD as part of the Westford programme. The spacecraft was built by MITLL on the Westford Drag bus, with a mass of 1 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1962
launched
1962
retired
64
years on orbit
1
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched9 Apr 1962
Operational9 May 1962 · entered service
Retired9 May 1962 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID18603
COSPAR1962 KAP 7
TypeSatellite
OperatorAFSSD
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerMITLL
BusWestford Drag
Mass1 kg
ProgrammeWestford
CategoryCOM
OrbitMEO (MEO)
Altitude2,782 × 3,420 km
Inclination86.7°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to West Ford Drag dispenser?
West Ford Drag dispenser was retired from service around 9 May 1962 after launching in 1962. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built West Ford Drag dispenser?
West Ford Drag dispenser was operated by AFSSD and built by MITLL (US).
Launched together
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.