Declassified UFO / UAP Document
Project 10073 Record Card — USS Matagorda Sighting, 25 August 1963
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AI-Generated Summary
This document details a 1963 sighting of an unidentified flashing light by the USS Matagorda in the Pacific. Due to a lack of radar data, the Air Force classified the event as having insufficient data for identification.
On August 25, 1963, the crew of the USS Matagorda observed an unidentified aerial phenomenon in the Pacific region at coordinates 31.57N 174.25E. The object was described as a bright, flashing white light, comparable in brightness to a second-magnitude star. It was observed at a very high altitude, initially traveling on a course of 130 degrees True, before changing its course to 150 degrees at a fast speed. The weather conditions at the time were reported as sea calm with scattered clouds. The incident was formally recorded on a Project 10073 record card and disseminated via military staff messages to various commands, including NORAD, CINCPACFLT, and intelligence agencies such as the CIA and DIA. Official evaluation by the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) noted that radar (ECHO) data was unavailable for the sighting. While the report suggested the object could potentially be a satellite, the lack of corroborating data resulted in the case being officially categorized as having insufficient data for a definitive conclusion.
ECHO Data not available. Object possibly Satellite, however, cannot confirm. Case considered as Insufficient Data.
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Official Assessment
ECHO Data not available. Object possibly Satellite, however, cannot confirm. Case considered as Insufficient Data.
The object was observed as a bright flashing light of second magnitude at a high altitude. Despite the observation, the lack of radar data prevented a definitive identification, leading to the classification of insufficient data.