Declassified UFO / UAP Document
Project 10073 Record Card — Sighting Report 24 April 1961
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AI-Generated Summary
A 1961 military sighting report of an unidentified object in the Pacific that appeared to be in orbit. Despite consultation with Space Track, the object could not be identified and was officially classified as unidentified.
On April 24, 1961, at 1134 Zulu, a crew aboard an RC-121D aircraft, identified as the 965th AEW&C Squadron, observed an unidentified aerial phenomenon while flying at 11,000 feet. The witnesses, 1st Lt. Mark W. Rand and Capt. Harry J. Savoy, reported a round, reddish-white object that appeared to be in orbit. The object was observed for eight minutes, moving from west to east, and was described as being the size of a pinhead at arm's length. The sighting occurred at coordinates 3550N 12540W in the Pacific region. The navigator was taking a fix on the North Star when the object was spotted at 29 degrees 55 minutes elevation and 140 degrees relative azimuth. The object was noted to resemble the Echo I satellite. Following the report, the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) conducted an evaluation. They consulted with Space Track, which confirmed that the object was not a known satellite. The investigators noted that if the object were at the altitude of Echo I, its speed would have been excessive. Due to the lack of sufficient information to reach a definitive conclusion, the case was officially classified as unidentified, with the caveat that the analysis could be altered if additional information were to become available.
Information offered does not lead to a valid conclusion, therefore the case is listed as unidentified.
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Official Assessment
Object was at great altitude to give appearance of orbital flight. Check with Space Track determined that the object was not a Satellite. Also if the object were at the altitude of Echo it's speed would have been excessive. Information offered does not lead to a valid conclusion, therefore the case is listed as unidentified.
The object was observed at 29 degrees 55 minutes elevation and 140 degrees relative azimuth. It appeared to be in orbit, but Space Track confirmed it was not a satellite. The speed would have been excessive for an object at the altitude of Echo I.
Witnesses
- Mark W. Rand1st Lt965th AEW&C Sq
- Harry J. SavoyCapt965th AEW&C Sq
Key Persons
- KKMChief, Intelligence