What was the Air Force's first attempt at a space-based long-range missile attack detection system?

The Missile Defense Alarm System (MDAS) was the Air Force's initial effort to develop a space-based capability for detecting long-range missile attacks. Established during the Cold War, this system was specifically designed to provide early warning of missile launches, serving as a vital component in the United States' strategy for national defense and deterrence.

MDAS utilized advanced technology to detect the heat signature of missile launches, enabling timely alerts to command and control centers. This capability was essential for the U.S. military to respond effectively to any potential nuclear threat. The development and deployment of this system represented a significant evolution in military strategy, moving detection efforts from ground-based systems to space-based assets.

The other choices, while important in their respective fields, do not fit the criteria of being the first space-based long-range missile detection system. The Space-Based Infrared System, for instance, is a more modern upgrade that builds on the concepts established by MDAS. Similarly, the Global Positioning System and Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System serve different purposes related to navigation and missile defense, respectively, rather than detection of missile launches.