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Midas ETS-I F2

Re-entered 7 Feb 1974

Midas ETS-I F2 (NORAD 43, COSPAR 1960 ZET 1) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 7 Feb 1974, launched on 24 May 1960. It was operated by AFBMD as part of the Midas ETS programme. The spacecraft was built by LMSD on the Midas bus, with a mass of 1,410 kg. Like most satellites in low orbits, it was gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until re-entry. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.

1960
launched
1974
re-entered
14
years on orbit
1,410
kg mass

Lifecycle

Launched24 May 1960
Operational25 May 1960 · entered service
Retired25 May 1960 · end of operational service
Re-entered7 Feb 1974 · atmospheric re-entry — object destroyed

Specifications

NORAD ID43
COSPAR1960 ZET 1
TypeSatellite
OperatorAFBMD
Country / StateUS
ManufacturerLMSD
BusMidas
Mass1,410 kg
ProgrammeMidas ETS
CategoryEW
OrbitLEO (LLEO/I)
Altitude482 × 514 km
Inclination33.0°

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Midas ETS-I F2?

Midas ETS-I F2 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 7 Feb 1974, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1960. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.

When did Midas ETS-I F2 re-enter the atmosphere?

Midas ETS-I F2 re-entered on 7 Feb 1974, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.

Who operated and built Midas ETS-I F2?

Midas ETS-I F2 was operated by AFBMD and built by LMSD (US).

Historical record from the Orbital Radar satellite archive. Sources & methodology: data sources. Accessed 2026-09-06.