with this success, the MiDAS system was hampered by unsuccessful launches that destroyed satellites and killed any hope of round-the-clock coverage of the Soviet Union. In addition, the lack of a continuous power source such as a nuclear reactor or solar panels meant that the satellites' batteries were exhausted after a few short weeks in orbit. Though the MIDAS program itself failed to meet expectations, it paved the way for the eventual introduction of the Defense Support Program system of satellites that were first launched in the 1970s and provide early warning of missile launches today. MiDAS launches Mission chart from Astronautix and Photo gallery See also Air Force Space Command Defense Support Program Missile defense SM-65 Atlas Space-Based Infrared System References United States Air Force Reconnaissance satellites of the United States Missile defense Early warning systems Military satellites Military space program of the United States Military equipment introduced in the 1960s