Project 10073 Record Card and Associated Correspondence — Keesler AFB, Mississippi, December 1960

On December 3, 1960, at 2325Z, Airman Third Class Richard M. Rominiecki, a weather observer with Detachment 6 of the 8th Weather Group at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, observed an unidentified aerial phenomenon. The witness, noted for his reliability, reported seeing a single, round, white object that appeared to be the size of an average star. The object exhibited a steady light with no twinkle and produced no sound. It followed a straight flight path from west to east, moving from an elevation of 24 degrees at 300 degrees azimuth, eventually disappearing at 3 degrees elevation and 060 degrees azimuth. The total duration of the observation was approximately five minutes. The witness used a clinometer (ML-119) solely to obtain angle readings and observed the object with the naked eye. Weather conditions at the time were favorable, with unlimited ceiling, 10-mile visibility, and only scattered high cirrus clouds. The temperature was in the high fifties, and winds were light. Following the initial report, the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) requested further details regarding the object's shape, color, and flight path. In a follow-up memorandum dated December 30, 1960, Major William R. White confirmed the details of the sighting and provided the requested meteorological data, including the temperature lapse rate, which showed a strong subsidence inversion. Although a formal request for satellite tracking information was made, the response was not received. Consequently, based on the object's steady light, lack of scintillation, and consistent flight path, the incident was officially classified as a possible satellite in orbit. The documentation includes the original Project 10073 record card, internal Air Force message traffic, and the final report from the base commander.