Project 10073 Record — Sighting Report, 1 November 1966, Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina

This document is a Project 10073 record concerning a UFO sighting reported by SSgt Robert Key of the 632nd Radar Squadron in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, on 1 November 1966. The witness, who had been working in radar since 1954, observed a star-like object for 25 minutes. He described the object as slightly dimmer than the North Star. While he initially believed it was a satellite, he reported the incident because the object's movement—specifically its counter-clockwise orbit and course changes—differed from his previous experiences with satellites. The report includes a detailed questionnaire completed by the witness on 22 November 1966, along with sketches of the object's path and motion. The official conclusion recorded by the Foreign Technology Division (FTD) is 'Satellite (possible)', noting that the description is consistent with a satellite observation. Correspondence between the FTD and the 632nd Radar Squadron indicates that the initial information provided was deemed insufficient for evaluation, leading to the request for the completion of FTD Form 164. The witness later noted that he believed the answer to his sighting might be found in 'WIR 45/66' dated 11 November 1966, page 6, suggesting he identified the object as Echo I based on SPADATS data.