🛰️ SATELLITE · HISTORICAL RECORD
Midas RTS-I F3
Retired 1967Midas RTS-I F3 (NORAD 2481, COSPAR 1966-089A) is a retired US satellite, withdrawn from service around 12 Oct 1967, launched on 5 Oct 1966 on the Midas RTS-I F3 mission. It was operated by AFSSD as part of the Midas RTS-I programme. The spacecraft was built by LMSC on the Midas bus, with a mass of 1,000 kg. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
1966
launched
1967
retired
60
years on orbit
1,000
kg mass
Lifecycle
Launched5 Oct 1966 · on the Midas RTS-I F3 mission
Operational12 Oct 1967 · entered service
Retired12 Oct 1967 · end of operational service
StatusOn orbit (not live-tracked)
Specifications
NORAD ID2481
COSPAR1966-089A
TypeSatellite
OperatorAFSSD
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerLMSC
BusMidas
Mass1,000 kg
ProgrammeMidas RTS-I
CategoryEW
OrbitMEO (MEO)
Altitude3,675 × 3,706 km
Inclination90.2°
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Midas RTS-I F3?
Midas RTS-I F3 was retired from service around 12 Oct 1967 after launching in 1966. It is no longer operational but remains catalogued.
Who operated and built Midas RTS-I F3?
Midas RTS-I F3 was operated by AFSSD and built by LMSC (US).
Launched together
Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.