Intelligence, Unusual Sightings - Reports of

This document file, maintained by the RAAF School of Radio in Ballarat, contains correspondence and message forms regarding unusual aerial sightings reported by Royal Australian Air Force personnel in 1960. The file primarily documents the efforts of the Directorate of Air Force Intelligence (DAFI) to track and identify objects in the sky, specifically in relation to the re-entry of Soviet satellites. A significant portion of the file concerns the expected re-entry of Sputnik III and Sputnik 5. The RAAF issued specific guidance to commanding officers regarding the appearance of these satellites during their decay phase, noting they would resemble shooting stars but move more slowly, potentially trailing smoke or flame, and exhibiting varying colors and brightness. The file includes a specific report from Squadron Leader A. Frost, who observed a bright red object on April 6, 1960, which he identified as Sputnik III. The object was described as flashing at a frequency of ten flashes per eight seconds and maintaining a constant elevation of approximately ten degrees above the horizon. Another report from September 1960 involves AC A. R. Bridle, who reported a bright star-like object moving from the northwest to the northeast. The documentation reflects a structured military process for reporting, tracking, and identifying these phenomena, with clear instructions on how to handle and record such sightings to ensure they were reported to the Department of Air.