Project 10073 Record Card and Staff Message — Sighting near Kalispell, Montana, 20 Feb 61

This document consists of a Project 10073 record card and a subsequent Department of the Air Force staff message regarding an aerial sighting on February 20, 1961. The incident occurred at 1920 local time, approximately 100 nautical miles west-northwest of Kalispell, Montana. The witnesses, Major Williams of the 823 ACRON and First Lieutenant Gordon of the 84th Fighter Group, observed a single, oblong, cigar-shaped object for approximately 10 seconds. The object was described as being the size of a dime to a pea, appearing green and changing to a dull orange color. It was observed at an altitude of 39,000 feet, traveling in a straight line, and was noted as not moving fast enough to be a star. The object appeared 30 degrees above the horizon and eventually broke up before disappearing in one second. The observers were flying in a T-33 aircraft at the time of the sighting. The official conclusion recorded on the project card states that the description and duration are characteristic of a meteor, specifically a bolide. However, the staff message includes an additional note from an intelligence officer, who classified the sighting as an 'apparent valid sighting' and suggested it was a 'possible satellite vehicle re-entry.' The document also references a 'Moon Dust' alert for Sputnik, though it notes 'otherwise none.' The report provides detailed meteorological data for the area, indicating excellent visibility.