An Atlas-Agena rocket roars from its launch pad, Cape Canaveral. This Atlas-Agena rocket roars away from its launch pad in an attempt to boost an experimental MIDAS "spy in the sky" satellite into orbit. Officials emphasized this is only an experimental vehicle, a forerunner of a series of satellites which will whirl about the earth to keep a constant watch on enemy missile activity. They will carry infra-red sensing devices to spot the heat trail of a hostile rocket as it is fired.

Photo is dated 1960.

Photo measures 8 x 10 inches.