Report of Unidentified Surface Sighting — Test 1802 Recovery

This document collection details an unidentified surface sighting that occurred on June 24, 1960, during a recovery operation for a data cassette associated with Test 1802 near Ascension Island. At approximately 2334 local time, personnel aboard a recovery vessel and aircraft observed a bright, white or yellowish flare-like light in the immediate vicinity of the recovery area. The light persisted for approximately 10 seconds. Initial reactions from the recovery crew and aircraft personnel led them to believe the light was an aircraft flare used for illumination, but subsequent verification with both aircraft crews confirmed that no flares had been dropped by any test participants. The light was described as being stronger than the strobe light on the data cassette and appeared to be located at or very near the surface of the water. Despite the proximity of the recovery boat and the presence of observers, including a diver and an RCA photographer, no photographs were taken because the crew was initially focused on the recovery of the data cassette and believed the light to be a routine occurrence. The official conclusion reached by the Air Force Missile Test Center and subsequent intelligence reviews was that the object was a flare of some type, but its specific source and origin remained unidentified due to insufficient data. The file includes a record card, statements from the witnesses, and internal correspondence between the Air Force Missile Test Center and higher commands, including the Air Research and Development Command and the Air Force Intelligence Center (AFCIN), regarding the reporting and evaluation of the incident.