Project 10073 Record Card — Sighting Report 21 Sep 60

On September 21, 1960, at 0122Z, Captain P. W. Smathers, a flight commander with the 331st Fighter Interceptor Squadron, observed an unidentified object while flying an F-102A aircraft at 30,000 feet, 39 miles south of San Angelo, Texas. The pilot, described as very reliable, reported seeing a round object approximately the size of a quarter, exhibiting a 'firey' color and possessing a long, large tail. The object appeared as a shooting star and followed an arc-shaped flight path before disappearing instantaneously. The observation lasted for approximately five seconds. The pilot was flying at 430 TAS on a heading of 250 degrees. Weather conditions were clear with 50 miles visibility, though there were dust conditions at altitude. No radar contact was made, and no optical aids were used. Following an interview with the intelligence officer of the 331st FIS, it was determined that the object was likely a very large meteor or a satellite that burned up upon entering the atmosphere, estimated to be about 75 miles from the aircraft. The official conclusion recorded on the Project 10073 record card states that the object possessed all the characteristics of a meteor of the fireball class. No physical evidence was recovered, and no other unusual conditions or aircraft were reported in the vicinity.