Project 10073 Record — Sighting near Hanksville, Utah, 25 Sep 69

This document details a UFO sighting reported by a civilian near Hanksville, Utah, on September 25, 1969. The witness observed a brilliant white light with a vapor trail for approximately 60 seconds. The object was described as being larger than a star, moving at a 50-degree angle in a southwest direction, and wavering as it gained altitude before disappearing over the horizon. The report was processed under Project 10073. Following an investigation, the Aerial Phenomena Office, led by Lt. Col. Hector Quintanilla, Jr., concluded that the sighting was not an unidentified aerial phenomenon but rather an Athena rocket launched from the Green River Test Site. The launch occurred at 2154 MDT on the same date as part of an Air Force ballistic re-entry study, with the rocket's impact point located at the White Sands, New Mexico Test Range. The document includes a formal letter to the witness explaining the identification of the object and internal military communications confirming the launch details.