Aerojet ElectroSystems built this Series III infrared sensor payload for use in Missile Defense Alarm System (MIDAS) satellites. These satellites were one part of a U.S. Air Force program operational in the 1960s to provide early warning of a Soviet missile attack. The Series III was designed to detect and track the hot exhaust gases of missiles at launch and during the boost phase.

Created:

May 01, 2019

Photographer:

Mark Avino

ID#:

A19700253000-NASM2019-01905

Source:

Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum

Owner:

Smithsonian Institution

Rights Usage:

Public Domain

Terms of Use:

Smithsonian Terms of Use

For print or commercial use please see permissions information.

 Related Content MIDAS Series III Infrared Sensor Object