Project 10073 Record — Sighting of 2 May 1969

This document contains a collection of records regarding a sighting reported on May 2, 1969, by Captain Ernest G. Cooper, an Eastern Air Lines pilot. The observer, who was flying a B-52 at an altitude of 35,000 feet, approximately 65 nautical miles northeast of Dayton, Ohio, reported seeing a bright light that appeared to his right and slightly above his altitude. According to the report, the object initially appeared to be moving in his direction but did not seem to be closing. The object then divided into two lights, which the observer initially thought was a formation of several aircraft. The object subsequently dimmed, and several reddish lights appeared to follow it before all lights disappeared. The color was described as initially whitish, like a normal landing light, and then a greenish-white. The observation lasted approximately 30 to 40 seconds. The report was processed through the Volunteer Flight Officer Network (VFON) and forwarded to the Air Force's Aerial Phenomena Office. Lt. Colonel Hector Quintanilla, Jr. of the Aerospace Technologies Division evaluated the report and concluded that the sighting was the result of satellite debris decay, specifically the payload of 1967-51A, also known as the Explorer 34 satellite. This conclusion was supported by a memo for the record dated May 12, 1969, which noted that the Satellite Data Center (SDC) confirmed a satellite decay at 0130Z on May 3, 1969, involving the Explorer 34 satellite.