Project 10073 Record Card — 20 January 1960

This document consists of a Project 10073 record card and associated intelligence cables detailing an aerial sighting that occurred on January 20, 1960, near Johnston Island. The incident involved a flight crew from VQ-1 Detachment A, who observed a bright white light appearing from below the aircraft at an altitude of 11,500 feet. The object was reported to be ascending and increasing in intensity before it burst into an orange flame accompanied by black smoke, described by observers as similar to a burning automobile tire. One observer noted the object appeared to break up, while another reported seeing two lights as the object passed behind the aircraft. The sighting was accompanied by electronic interference, which was attributed to ongoing missile range activity in the area. Radar data was collected, including KD-2 and APS-33 radar scope photographs and telemetry intercepts at 65.5 megacycles. The intelligence cable notes that two distinct audio tones were heard, though it appeared only one signal was present. The collection aircraft maintained the radar beam throughout the intercept by reversing course. The official conclusion reached by the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) is that the object was likely a star shell or flare fired for identification purposes in connection with the missile range activity. The document includes administrative markings indicating it was originally unclassified and later processed for declassification in 1968.