Declassified UFO / UAP Document
Project 10073 Record Card and Moon Dust Report - 25 Sep 61
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AI-Generated Summary
An RC-121D aircraft crew reported a bright, bluish-green streak in the night sky over California on September 25, 1961. The event was investigated as a potential re-entry of an Earth Satellite Vehicle.
On September 25, 1961, at 2308 local time, the crew of an RC-121D aircraft (Ethan 45) operating 150 miles WNW of the Ukiah TACAN in California observed an unidentified aerial phenomenon. The crew, consisting of Major John Whalen, Captain John P. Convey Jr., and Captain Robert Bell, reported seeing a long, bluish-green streak with bright white edges. The object appeared suddenly, exhibiting extreme brightness that illuminated the interior of the aircraft cockpit, before fading rapidly over a duration of three seconds. The weather conditions were reported as clear with bright moonlight. The sighting was documented in a Project 10073 record card and a subsequent Moon Dust report submitted under AFR 200-2. Intelligence Officer 2LT Richard A. Kahane noted that the observers were considered reliable and had no ulterior motives. The report explicitly mentions the observer's claim that the object was 20 times brighter than a typical meteorite. The official conclusion provided in the report suggests the phenomenon was a possible re-entry of an ESV (Earth Satellite Vehicle).
SUDDEN EXTREME BRIGHTNESS WHICH ILLUMINATED COCKPIT INTERIOR
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Official Assessment
Possible re-entry of ESV.
The sighting was reported by the crew of an RC-121D aircraft. The object was described as a long, bluish-green streak with bright white edges that appeared suddenly, illuminated the cockpit, and faded rapidly over three seconds. The intelligence officer noted the observer's claim that it was 20 times brighter than a meteorite.
Witnesses
- John P Convey JrCAPT963 AEW&C SQ
- John WhalenMAJ963 AEW&C SQ
- Robert BellCAPT963 AEW&C SQ
Key Persons
- Richard A KahaneIntelligence Officer