Declassified UFO / UAP Document
UFO Sighting, 10 Jul 64, Mankato, Minnesota
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AI-Generated Summary
A student reported a satellite-like object in the sky over Mankato, Minnesota, on July 10, 1964. The Air Force concluded it was likely another satellite or a high-flying aircraft, as it did not match the schedules for Echo I or Echo II.
On July 10, 1964, a student at Mankato State College in Minnesota observed an unidentified object in the night sky. The witness, who was studying astronomy, reported that the object appeared like a satellite and moved from south to north, passing through the constellations of Cygnus and Cassiopeia between 11:27 P.M. and 11:35 P.M. C.D.T. Seeking an explanation, the student wrote to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The inquiry was subsequently forwarded to the United States Air Force. The Foreign Technology Division of the Air Force Systems Command reviewed the report. In a memorandum dated July 27, 1964, addressed to the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force (SAFOI PB), the Division noted that the object did not conform to the schedules of the Echo I or Echo II satellites. They suggested that the sighting might have been another satellite of lower magnitude or an extremely high-flying aircraft. This conclusion was formally communicated to the witness in a letter dated August 14, 1964, signed by Major Maston M. Jacks of the Public Information Division, who expressed regret that a more concrete explanation could not be provided.
We regret that we cannot offer a more concrete explanation.
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Official Assessment
The satellite-like object you observed on July 10, 1964 at 11:35 p.m. was neither Echo I nor Echo II. It is possible that your observation was one of the other satellites of lower magnitude than first or second. It is also possible that the object was an extremely high-flying aircraft.
The object was determined not to be the Echo I or Echo II satellites. The Air Force suggested it was likely another satellite of lower magnitude or a high-flying aircraft.
Witnesses
- [illegible]studentMankato State College
Key Persons
- Mrs GaiserRecipient of internal memo
- Eric T. de JonckheereColonel, USAF, Deputy for Technology and Subsystems