Declassified UFO / UAP Document
Project 10073 Record Card - Sighting of 22 May 1961
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AI-Generated Summary
This document is a Project 10073 record card and associated message regarding a May 1961 sighting of an oval, silver object over the Pacific Ocean. The Air Force concluded the object was likely the Echo I satellite.
On May 22, 1961, at 0849Z, a sighting of an unidentified aerial object occurred over the Pacific Ocean at coordinates 43.30N 134.00W. The object was observed by Major Harold L. Cook and 1/LT Frank E. McCallister of the 963 AEW&C Squadron while aboard an RC-121 aircraft. The witnesses described the object as oval-shaped, silver in color, and resembling the 'head of a pin.' The object was observed for a duration of seven minutes, during which it maintained a straight flight path from north to south at an estimated altitude of 18,000 to 22,000 feet. The witnesses noted that the object moved at a very high rate of speed, making it too fast to observe through a sextant. Weather conditions in the area included scattered clouds on the northwest horizon and a temperature inversion. The official conclusion reached by the Air Force was that the object was likely a satellite, specifically Echo I, although the satellite track could not be definitively confirmed. The report notes that the seven-minute duration of the sighting made a preliminary analysis difficult for the intelligence officer of the 552 AEW&C Wing.
The navigator stated the object was moving from north to south at a very high rate of speed - too fast to get a view of it with the sextant.
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Official Assessment
Speed and appearance indicate satellite track, however, this not confirmed. Southerly heading alone does not rule out satellite and all other indications point to satellite observation. Case listed as observation of Echo I.
The object was identified as a potential satellite observation, specifically Echo I, based on its speed and appearance.
Witnesses
- Cook, Harold L.Major963 AEW&C Sq
- McCallister, Frank E.1/LT963 AEW&C Sq