Locating the Lost Athena Missile in Mexico by the Aerial Radiological Measuring System (ARMS)

Abstract

On 11 July 1970, an Athena missile was launched by the U.S. Air Force from Green River, Utah, as part of a routine testing program. The nose cone contained two 57Co sources of approximately 470 mCi each. The Athena operated abnormally resulting in an impact in Mexico. Through the USAEG, the EG&G Aerial Radiological Measuring System (ARMS) scientific team was asked to participate in the search for the 57Co using the ARMS gamma radiation detection system. In a period of 3 days, the impact crater was located and the ground recovery team was directed to the site. Various samples were returned to the EG&G Las Vegas laboratory for analysis and identification.