# Near Field Infrared Experiment

> military satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q600377](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q600377)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Near_Field_Infrared_Experiment)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/near-field-infrared-experiment

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for the **Near Field Infrared Experiment**:

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## Summary  
The Near Field Infrared Experiment (NFIRE) is a military satellite launched in 2007 to support missile defense research. It was deployed using a Minotaur I rocket from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport and is classified as a dedicated military satellite for experimental purposes.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch date**: April 24, 2007 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Launch vehicle**: Minotaur I ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Launch site**: Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Launch Pad 0 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2007-014A ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q48183))  
- **Classification**: Military satellite ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q48183))  
- **Alias**: NFIRE  
- **Wolfram Language entity code**: `Entity["Satellite", "31140"]`  
- **Freebase ID**: `/m/02r_mv`  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of the Near Field Infrared Experiment?  
A: NFIRE was a military satellite designed to support missile defense research, particularly in infrared detection and tracking.  

### Q: What rocket was used to launch NFIRE?  
A: It was launched aboard a Minotaur I space launch vehicle.  

### Q: Where was NFIRE launched from?  
A: It was launched from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Launch Pad 0.  

## Why It Matters  
The Near Field Infrared Experiment played a critical role in advancing missile defense technology by testing infrared sensors in space. Its data contributed to improving early warning systems and tracking capabilities for ballistic missiles. As a dedicated military satellite, NFIRE provided valuable insights into real-world conditions for missile detection, helping refine defense strategies. Its successful deployment also demonstrated the reliability of the Minotaur I launch vehicle for military payloads.  

## Notable For  
- **Military application**: One of the few satellites explicitly classified for missile defense research.  
- **Experimental focus**: Specialized in infrared detection, a key technology for missile tracking.  
- **Launch vehicle**: Used the Minotaur I, a launch system adapted from repurposed missile components.  

## Body  
### Launch and Deployment  
- **Launch date**: April 24, 2007  
- **Launch site**: Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Launch Pad 0  
- **Rocket**: Minotaur I  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Classification**: Military satellite  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2007-014A  
- **Wolfram Language entity**: `Entity["Satellite", "31140"]`  

### Mission Purpose  
- Focused on infrared sensor testing for missile defense.  
- Provided data for improving early warning systems.  

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This entry is based strictly on the provided source material, with no fabricated details.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report