Declassified UFO / UAP Document
Project 10073 Record Card — 19 Jan 61
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AI-Generated Summary
A US Navy pilot reported an unidentified object near the Azores on January 19, 1961. The sighting was officially evaluated as a probable satellite.
On January 19, 1961, at 0905Z, Lieutenant Donald D. Renicky of the United States Navy reported an unidentified aerial phenomenon while operating aircraft Navy 141307. The sighting occurred at coordinates 42-39N 42-12W, west of the Azores. The witness observed the object for approximately 5 to 10 minutes. The object was described as having a magnitude slightly less than the planet Mars and was seen in close proximity to it. The object maintained a straight flight path with an easterly movement, traveling at a speed of 195 knots at an altitude of 6,000 feet. The witness noted that the object disappeared over the horizon at an approximate altitude of 45 degrees. The report was filed in compliance with Air Force Regulation 55-88. Following the evaluation of the data, which included the object's flight characteristics and duration, the official conclusion reached by the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) was that the object was a probable satellite.
SIGHTED WHAT APPEARED TO BE A STAR IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE PLANET MARS OPENING RAPIDLY AND ON COURSE OF APPROX. 083 TRUE.
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Official Assessment
Prob satellite
The object was observed for 5-10 minutes, moving on an easterly path. Due to the flight path and duration, it was concluded to be a probable satellite.
Witnesses
- Renicky, Donald D.LT, USNUSN