PROJECT 10073 RECORD CARD - USS FORSTER SIGHTING

On July 4, 1962, at 0908Z, the crew of the USS FORSTER observed an unidentified aerial phenomenon while at sea at coordinates 11 degrees 45 minutes North, 174 degrees 52 minutes West. The object was described as round, blueish-white, and having the appearance of a first-magnitude star with a solid glow and no tail. The sighting lasted for twelve minutes. The object was first noticed due to its movement in relation to the stars, moving on a northeast course. The observation was made by the Officer of the Deck and confirmed by the Commanding Officer and the bridge watch, all of whom were noted as having previously sighted satellites. The weather conditions were described as a moonlight night with one-tenth cloud coverage. The object eventually disappeared behind low clouds on the horizon. No radar contact was made during the sighting. The incident was documented on a Project 10073 record card and reported via naval message. The official conclusion reached by the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) was that while satellite data was not available, the characteristics of the object were consistent with an orbital object, and it was classified as a satellite.