Project 10073 Record: Sighting at Alley Springs, Missouri, 30 August 1966

This document is a collection of records, including an official Project 10073 sighting report and subsequent internal Air Force communications, regarding a UFO sighting in Alley Springs, Missouri, on 30 August 1966. Witnesses reported a round, marble-sized object that appeared silver and changed to orange, remaining visible for 90 minutes before moving west and disappearing. The object made no sound and left no trail. The Air Force investigation concluded that the object was a malfunctioning weather balloon launched by Litton Systems Incorp. from Minneapolis, Minnesota, on 24 August 1966. The balloon had dropped its package but failed to deflate, drifting over the Missouri, Arkansas, and Tennessee area for approximately ten days. The report includes detailed logs of contacts with various agencies, including the FAA, NCAR, and Litton Systems, to track the balloon's flight path. Pilots from the 97th Bombardment Wing were also consulted, and one pilot, Captain Warren J. Herrig, reported being advised to look for the balloon while flying near St. Louis. The investigation also ruled out satellite sightings, noting that while Echo I, Echo II, and Pegasus-A were visible during that week, none were present at the time of the sighting. The Air Force ultimately determined the sighting was explained by the presence of this free-drifting weather balloon.