Midas Satellite Bus
Data current as of 2026-07-20.
The Midas bus accounts for 6 cataloged objects, of which 5 are in orbit and 0 are active. 1 have reentered. Most are built by LMSC. The largest operator on this bus is AFSSD. The first launched in 1960, the most recent in 1966.
5
In orbit
0
Active
6
Total launched
1
Reentered
Midas launched per year
Still in orbit Since reentered Click a year to list its satellites.
Typical specifications
Most common values across cataloged Midas satellites.
| Manufacturer | LMSC |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Early Warning |
| Launch mass | 840 kg |
| Dry mass | 840 kg |
| Length | 2 m |
| Diameter | 1.5 m |
| Span | 2 m |
| Shape | Cone |
| Power | 2 deployable solar arrays, batteries |
| Propulsion | Bell 8081 |
| Design life | 6 months (design); 11 months (#2); 12 months (#3) |
| Equipment | ETS-III sensor |
| Typical orbit | 168 min period, 87° inclination |
Top operators
AFSSD 5 AFBMD 1
Top countries
US 6
Midas satellites
Track any of them live in KeepTrack.
| Name | NORAD | COSPAR | Owner | Launched | Orbit | Status | Track |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OPS 1920 FTV 1353 | 02481 | 1966-089A | AFSSD | Oct 5, 1966 | 168 min, 89.8° | Inactive | ◉ |
| OPS 0856 FTV 1352 | 02403 | 1966-077A | AFSSD | Aug 19, 1966 | 167 min, 90.3° | Inactive | ◉ |
| MIDAS 7/ERS 10 Midas 9 | 00622 | 1963-030A | AFSSD | Jul 19, 1963 | 168 min, 88.4° | Inactive | ◉ |
| MIDAS 6 (FTV 1169) Midas 7 | 00574 | 1963-014A | AFSSD | May 9, 1963 | 166 min, 87.4° | Inactive | ◉ |
| MIDAS 5 (STRONGBACK) Midas 5 | 00271 | 1962-010A | AFSSD | Apr 9, 1962 | 153 min, 86.7° | Inactive | ◉ |
| MIDAS 2 Midas 2 | 00043 | 1960-006A | AFBMD | May 24, 1960 | 88 min, 33.0° | Reentered | ◉ |
Frequently asked questions
How many Midas satellites are there?
The catalog lists 6 objects built on the Midas bus. 5 are in orbit and 1 have reentered.
How many Midas satellites are in orbit?
5 Midas objects are currently in orbit, of which 0 carry an active status.
Who builds the Midas bus?
The Midas bus is most commonly built by LMSC.
When did the first Midas satellite launch?
The first cataloged Midas satellite launched in 1960, and the most recent in 1966.