Project 10073 Record Card — 12 Dec 1961 Sighting, Junction, Texas

On December 13, 1961, at 0409Z, two pilots flying a T-29 aircraft on a night navigation training mission observed an aerial phenomenon approximately 20 nautical miles west of Junction, Texas. The pilots, assigned to the 3610th NTW, reported seeing a meteor-like object that initially appeared as a white, spherical glow. The object, described as 'pea size' from their perspective, descended vertically and underwent two explosive disintegrations, changing color from white to yellow and finally to a reddish-yellow glow before breaking into four or more segments and disappearing. The observation lasted between 25 and 30 seconds. The pilots noted that the object's atmospheric entry was significantly brighter and more prolonged than other meteor sightings they had witnessed during their mission. The incident was reported via official Air Force channels to the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) and other commands. Official evaluations recorded on the Project 10073 record card suggest the phenomenon was likely the decay of the 1961A Epsisi rocket body, noting that all characteristics of a reentry event were present. The wing intelligence officer concurred with this assessment, classifying the object as a probable meteor or rocket body.