Declassified UFO / UAP Document
Project 10073 Record — Luke AFB, Arizona, 15 December 1965
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AI-Generated Summary
A sighting of a bright white object by two Air Force pilots near Luke AFB was officially identified as the atmospheric decay of U.S. satellite 1965-102B.
On 15 December 1965, at 0423Z, two Air Force captains, Clayton E. White and W. C. Schuermann, observed an unidentified aerial phenomenon while in the vicinity of Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The witnesses, both of the 4515 Combat Crew Training Squadron, described a round, bright white object with a tail that appeared to descend toward the north. The object reportedly gained intensity and apparent speed as it fell, eventually breaking into pieces and dulling to an orange color before burning out. The observation lasted approximately 15 to 20 seconds. The official investigation concluded that the phenomenon was the result of the decay of U.S. object 1965-102B, which was confirmed to have decayed on that date. The report notes that while B-57 aircraft were conducting chaff drops in the general area at the time, the sighting itself was consistent with satellite decay characteristics. The intelligence officer reviewing the report deemed the observers to be professional and reliable.
Observer sighted a round bright white object with tail. Appeared as a meteor. Object descended towards the North gaining intensity and apparent speed with a tail forming as it fell. Burnout occured level with object going to pieces and dulling to orange color.
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Official Assessment
Other (SATELLITE DECAY). All characteristics of decay present. Object 1965-102B (U.S.) decayed this date.
The sighting was identified as the decay of U.S. object 1965-102B, which occurred on the date of the observation.
Witnesses
- White, Clayton E.Captain4515 CMBT CREW TNG SQ., LUKE AFB, ARIZ.
- Schuermann, W. C.Captain4515 CMBT CREW TNG SQ., LUKE AFB, ARIZ.