Project 10073 Record Card — Wichita, Kansas, 23 August 1960

On August 23, 1960, at approximately 0324 hours, a civilian witness in Wichita, Kansas, reported observing an unidentified aerial phenomenon. The witness, identified as an aeronautical engineer employed by the Boeing Aircraft Corporation, was accompanied by his wife and two daughters during the sighting. According to the report, the witness was observing the sky in anticipation of the satellite Echo when he noticed a large, dull orange spherical object. The object featured three triangular light sources, described as windows, which were approximately one-tenth the size of the sphere. The witness noted that the object's appearance was similar to a Japanese lantern. The object was observed for two minutes, during which it followed a pursuit curve relative to the satellite Echo before disappearing. The witness reported that the object was either very close or very large, though he was unable to provide further details regarding its structure. The report was submitted by the 4347th Combat Crew Training Wing at McConnell Air Force Base. The Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) subsequently requested further investigation, noting that the initial report was limited in nature and that the witness, despite his professional background, had failed to provide a sufficiently detailed account. Following a follow-up investigation, which included checking with B-47 crew members and local radar sites, the preparing officer concluded that the object was likely another satellite, distinct from the satellite Echo. The document includes a supplement to AF Form 112, which provides detailed meteorological data for the time of the sighting, confirming clear conditions. The case was ultimately classified as an identified object, specifically a satellite.