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Comparison of the two main types of sensor for long range missile defense.
| Infrared | Radar | |
|---|---|---|
| Detection Phase | Boost and midcourse | Midcourse 1 and terminal |
| Early warning | Yes | No |
| Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Interceptor guidance | No | Yes |
| Location | Space | Space 2, ground, sea, air |
| Coverage | Earth surface 3 | Limited by radar horizon |
| Cost | Hightest | High |
1 If closer than radar horizon. 2 Used for reconnaissance rather than missile defense. 3 With an adequate number of satellites.
