Project 10073 Record Card: Sighting at Elmendorf AFB, 8 October 1957

This document collection details the observation of a satellite over Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, on October 8, 1957. The sighting was reported by six qualified observers from the 504th Air Intelligence Service Squadron. The object was initially spotted at 20 degrees above the horizon and was described as a single white point of reflected light. It was observed climbing rapidly and steadily toward the zenith, passing directly overhead, and eventually dropping below the eastern horizon. The observation occurred under conditions of a full moon with 2/10 high thin cirrus clouds. The observers, using the naked eye, reported the sighting as sharp and clear. Two photographs were taken of the object using a Leica 35mm camera and were subsequently submitted for analysis. Official military correspondence confirms that the object was identified as the third stage of the Russian satellite, Sputnik I. Subsequent internal military communications, including a disposition form dated November 18, 1957, confirm that the photographic evidence was reviewed by AFCIN-4A2f and determined to be authentic and not a fraud. The report includes a track of the satellite and clarifies the exact timing of the observation, which was amended to 1503Z to 1506:30Z.