Project 10073 Record: Unidentified Object Sighted 27/1340Z

On November 27, 1966, at approximately 1340Z, multiple air crews reported observing an unidentified object in the sky near Wake Island. The initial reports described an orange-colored object with a green center. Subsequent interviews with the air crews provided additional details, indicating that the object appeared to originate from the surface and climbed to an altitude of 50,000 feet before falling back toward the earth. The object left a yellow trail and was accompanied by a green secondary explosion that illuminated the entire sky for approximately fifteen seconds. The sighting was reported by several aircraft, including a C-124 (MAC 20961) and a C-141 (MAC 50254). The Weapons Controller of the 326 Air Division concluded that there was insufficient information to make a definitive analysis, but noted that the object exhibited characteristics consistent with a missile firing and suggested it could be part of a USSR test program. The Air Force staff messages document the collection of these reports and the subsequent follow-up interviews conducted with the air crews who were remaining at Wake Island.