Project 10073 Record Cards and Technical Information Sheets — Fairborn, Ohio, August 1961

This document contains a series of Project 10073 record cards and U.S. Air Force Technical Information Sheets documenting a sighting that occurred on August 30, 1961, in Fairborn, Ohio. The witness, whose name is redacted, reported observing a yellow-white point of light at approximately 2030 local time. The object was described as moving in a straight flight path overhead toward the east, with an appearance of tumbling. The witness noted that the object was silent and appeared similar to a bright star, though it moved much faster. The observation lasted approximately two and a half minutes before the object disappeared below the horizon. The witness, who was relaxing in a lawn chair and scanning the sky for satellites, initially believed the object might be a satellite or a rocket afterbody. The official conclusion recorded on the project card identifies the object as the Echo I satellite. The investigator noted that the object's characteristics were consistent with a satellite, and a space track check confirmed that Echo I was in the area at 0130Z. The file includes correspondence between a Major Friend and a Captain McDonald regarding the collection of the witness questionnaire, as well as detailed sketches and angular measurements provided by the witness to assist in the evaluation. The witness provided specific azimuth and elevation data, noting that the object's angular velocity was compatible with satellites at 1000 or more miles, and that its appearance was similar to a tumbling satellite or rocket afterbody. The documentation reflects a systematic effort by the Air Force to collect and verify reports of aerial phenomena by cross-referencing them with known satellite tracking data.