Midas 1

Launch Failure

Liftoff Time (GMT)

17:25:00

Friday February 26, 1960

Watch Replay

Official Livestream

Mission Details

Launch Notes

Agena RSO charges accidentally fired at staging, leading to vehicle breakup. First launch of the Atlas-Agena vehicle.

Wiki

The MIDAS Series 1 (Military Defense Alarm System) satellites, MIDAS 1 and 2, were the first development models for the MIDAS early warning system. MIDAS 1 was on this launch.

1 Payload

2,025 kilograms

Rocket

Retired

Atlas-LV3 Agena-A

Active 1960 to 1961

Agency

General Dynamics

Payload to Orbit

LEO: 1,250 kg

Stages

2

Launch Site

LC-14

Cape Canaveral SFS, Florida, USA

Fastest Turnaround

14 days 23 hours

LC-14

Cape Canaveral SFS, Florida, USA

Fastest Turnaround

14 days 23 hours

Stats

Atlas-Agena

1st

Mission

1st

Mission of 1960

1960

3rd

Orbital launch attempt