// missile early warning · 1961

MIDAS 3

American early-warning satellite. MIDAS 3 was launched on July 12, 1961 aboard a Atlas Agena B from Vandenberg. Latest status in GCAT: in orbit, attached to another object.

COSPAR 1961 SIG 1NORAD 163United States

Identity

Name in GCAT: Midas 3
Common name: MIDAS 3
Payload designation: Midas ETS-II F1
Other names: FTV 1201
International designator: 1961 SIG 1
NORAD catalog number: 163
GCAT identifier: S00163
UN registration: A/AC.105/INF.001

Mission

Mission type: Missile early warning
Use: Defense
Program: Midas ETS-II
Owner: USAF SSD
Country: United States
Builder: Lockheed Missiles and Space Co.
Platform (bus): Midas

Launch

Date: July 12, 1961 · 15:11 UTC
Launch record: 1961 SIGSuccess
Rocket: Atlas Agena B
Spaceport: Vandenberg · pad LC1-2

Orbit and fate

Orbit class (GCAT): MEO
Perigee: 3,354 km
Apogee: 3,535 km
Inclination: 91.13°
Status: In orbit, attached to another object
Last known active: Jul 12, 1961
End of operations: Jul 12, 1961

Size

Mass: 840 kg
Dry mass: 840 kg
Total mass with attached objects: 1,540 kg
Length: 2.0 m
Diameter: 1.50 m
Span: 2.0 m

Source: GCAT payload, deep-space and lander catalogs, Jonathan C. McDowell (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata Q11764910 (CC0).