Project 10073 Record Card and Related Correspondence — October 1959

This document collection details a UFO sighting reported on October 28, 1959, which generated significant public interest and multiple reports across Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. The primary witness, a civilian from Wickford, Rhode Island, reported observing a brilliantly illuminated moving object in the eastern sky while driving home. The object was described as a round, bright white light with a 30-mile-long exhaust trail, appearing to be surrounded by light or chaff. The sighting lasted approximately 15 minutes and involved an abrupt stop followed by a drift to the southeast. The Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) and local military units, including the 103rd Tactical Fighter Group, were inundated with calls from civilians in the Westover area regarding the phenomenon. A formal investigation was initiated at the request of Major Friend of ATIC. Concurrently, a report was received from the SS Trun/FPSK regarding a similar object observed at 2245 GMT, described as having a main light like a projector with sparkling lights, which fell toward the sea and disappeared. Official military evaluation concluded that both the civilian reports and the maritime observation were attributable to a space agency balloon rocket launched from Wallops Island, Virginia, on the same date. The documents emphasize the need for Air Force intelligence units to be advised in advance of such activities to ensure proper evaluation and response to civilian inquiries.