Declassified UFO / UAP Document
Project 10073 Record Card — Sighting Report SS Illinois, 11 September 1962
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AI-Generated Summary
A report of an unidentified object observed by the SS Illinois in the South China Sea on September 11, 1962. The object was officially identified as burning satellite debris.
This document consists of a Project 10073 record card and a supporting Marine Data Report regarding an unidentified aerial phenomenon observed by the crew of the SS Illinois on September 11, 1962. While en route from Keelung to Hong Kong, the crew observed an object moving from South to North for approximately 4 to 6 seconds before it disappeared into clouds. The observers noted that the object was distinguished from a meteor by its proximity to the ship, its body length, and the presence of trailing sparks. The report was forwarded by the U.S. Naval Oceanographic Office to NASA on October 10, 1962. Official evaluation by ATIC concluded that the object was likely satellite debris, specifically referencing the decay of '62A Sigma', though the final assessment on the record card notes it was evaluated as a meteor sighting.
None of the indications given are reasons for the object not being a meteor; rather, all are indications of a meteor sighting.
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Official Assessment
Satellite junk burning.
The object was determined to be satellite junk burning up upon reentry, specifically identified as 62A Sigma.
Key Persons
- J. S. LacyOPI, NASA Greenbelt