Space Brief 26 Apr 2025
Today's brief covers major developments including the introduction of BAHA drones, increased defense spending by Estonia, and consequential announcements on military budgets impacting space-related activities.
MIDAS 3 (00163)
COSPAR: 1961-018A | Alt Name: Midas 3
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 12, 1961
Launch Site
Point Arguello
Launch Pad
SLC-3 1-2
Launch Vehicle
Atlas-Agena B
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
00163
International Designator
1961-018A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 00:32:19 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
91.12°
Right Ascension
205.96°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
136.85°
Period
161.46 min
Mean Motion
8.92 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
MIDAS 3
Alternative Name
Midas 3
Type
Payload
Status
Unknown
Owner
Air Force Space Systems Division (AFSSD)
Country
United States
Constellation
MIDAS
Related Satellites
Major Events
First successful launch in the MIDAS program; however, one solar panel failed to deploy, leading to a power failure after five orbits.
Latest TLEs
1 00163U 61018A 26185.02244884 -.00000019 00000-0 -73070-2 0 9991
2 00163 91.1154 205.9613 0102581 136.8519 224.0447 8.91839289115512
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The MIDAS 3 satellite was launched on July 12, 1961, from Point Arguello using an Atlas-Agena B launch vehicle. It was a conical-shaped satellite with a length of 2 meters and a diameter of 1.5 meters, weighing around 840 kg at liftoff. The satellite was designed to detect and track intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launches using its Series III infrared sensor.
The MIDAS 3 mission lasted for five orbits before a power failure occurred due to the failure of one solar panel to deploy. Despite this setback, the launch marked the first successful launch in the MIDAS program. The satellite was equipped with two deployable solar arrays and batteries to provide power. It used spin stabilization as its attitude control system.
The MIDAS 3 satellite was manufactured by Lockheed Missiles and Space Company (LMSC) for the US Air Force's Space Systems Division (AFSSD). Its primary mission was early warning, designed to detect ICBM launches.
Physical Characteristics
Length
2
Diameter
1.5
Span
2
Dry Mass
840
Launch Mass
1600
Shape
Conical
Radar Cross Section
10.0428
Visual Magnitude
5
Color
Silver
Material Composition
Aluminum and other aerospace materials.
Technical Details
Payload
MIDAS ETS-II F1
Purpose
Early Warning
Mission
Early warning satellite designed to detect intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launches.
Manufacturer
Lockheed Missiles and Space Company (LMSC)
Life Expectancy
The mission lasted for five orbits before a power failure occurred.
Bus
MIDAS
Configuration
Agena-B
Motor
Bell 8081
Equipment
Series III infrared sensor designed to detect and track missile launches.
Power System
Two deployable solar arrays and batteries.
ADCS
Spin stabilization
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Shenzhou-23 Docks at Tiangong; Crew Member Targets 1-Year Stay | KeepTrack Space Brief
Shenzhou-23 docked with Tiangong May 24 with 3 astronauts, including Hong Kong's first crew member. One will stay ~1 year in orbit.
Crew-11 Preps for First-Ever ISS Medical Evacuation, Lufthansa Orders Starlink for 850 Jets | KeepTrack X Report
Crew-11 prepares for historic first ISS medical evacuation via Crew Dragon. Lufthansa Group to equip all 850 aircraft with Starlink. Starship infrastructure advances at Starbase and Cape Canaveral.
The Details of Apollo 1
How a catastrophic fire in 1967 fundamentally altered NASA's approach to human spaceflight and continues to influence modern spacecraft design
Space Brief 12 May 2025
Today's brief covers key industry movements in space logistics and satellite production, including Rocket Lab's new U.S. Air Force contract, Sierra Space's strides in GPS technology, and more.
X Report 28 Jan 2025
SpaceX successfully launches 21 Starlink satellites, nearing milestone of 7,000 in orbit. Boeing and Airbus consider divesting from space, impacting industry dynamics.
SpaceX Lofts 45 Payloads Including Korean CAS500-2 | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's Falcon 9 rideshare lifted 45 satellites including South Korea's CAS500-2 Earth observer from Vandenberg at 0700 UTC May 3.
X Report 28 Dec 2025
SpaceX scrubs a launch due to ground system issues while continuing its ambitious deployment of Starlink satellites.