Project 10073 Record Card and Naval Message Regarding Sighting of Satellite-like Object

On December 4, 1961, at 050514Z, personnel aboard the USS Wilhoite, located at 40°32'N 166°59'W in the Pacific Ocean, observed a round, bright object. The sighting lasted for five minutes. The object was first observed at an elevation of 20 degrees and a bearing of 210 degrees, and it disappeared at an elevation of 8 degrees and a bearing of 175 degrees. The object traveled from north to south in a straight line. The observation was made using both the unaided eye and binoculars. The sighting was confirmed by the Commanding Officer, Executive Officer, Officer of the Deck, and four other crew members. Weather conditions were reported as clear to partly cloudy. The official evaluation concluded that the object exhibited the characteristics of a satellite. Although the information was not verified against space tracking data, there was no conflicting information, and the object was assumed to be the Echo I satellite. The report was processed through various military channels, including CINCPACFLT and USAF PAC, and documented on a Project 10073 record card.