Project 10073 Record Card and Naval Message regarding Sighting in Gulf of Aden

This document consists of a Project 10073 Record Card and an associated Naval Message originating from the USS MILLS. On November 28, 1961, at 1626Z, a bright, unidentified object was observed in the Gulf of Aden at coordinates 15.19N 51.59E. The observation lasted for approximately 20 minutes. The witness reported that the object was at an extremely high altitude, traveled on a course of 140 degrees, and appeared to hesitate overhead while moving on an erratic course. The object was eventually lost from sight at a position angle of 35 degrees. The Naval Message, sent by the USS MILLS to various commands including CINCINELM and CINCONAD, confirms the details of the sighting. The subsequent evaluation by ATIC concluded that the object was the Echo I satellite. The report notes that Echo I crossed the equator at 78 degrees longitude 12 minutes after the sighting, heading southeast, and would have been visible. The erratic movement and apparent hesitation were attributed to the tumbling of the satellite and atmospheric conditions.