PROJECT BLUE BOOK

PROJECT 10073 RECORD CARD PROJECT 10073 RECORD CARD
I. DATE 1. DATE |2. LOCATION 12. CONCLUSIONS CONCLUSIONS
0 Was Balloon
18 August 1960 13 August 1960 Melbourne, Florida 0 Probably Balloon Probably Balloon
3. DATE-TIME GROUP 0 0 Possibly Balloon Possibly Balloon
TYPE OF OBSERVATION 4 TYPE OF OBSERVATION
Locol 2015 Local 2015 XGround-Visual XGround-Visual Ground-Rodar Ground-Radar 0 Was Aircraft Was Aircraft
000 0 Probably Aircraft
GMT GMT 19/0115Z AirVisual AirVisual Air-Intercept Radar Air-Intercept Radar 0 Possibly Aircraft
5. PHOTOS 6. s SOURCE 0 Was Astronomical
Yes 00 Probably Astronomical
X No Civilian Possibly Astronomical
7. LENGTH OF OBSERVATION NUMBER COURSE 0 Other_.
xXinsufficient Data for Evaluation
1 minute 0 Unknown
one SW
T0. BRIEF SUMMARY OF SIGHTING |11. COMMENTS
Witness passage of ECHO I. Data limited. Evaluation not
Object moving Echo black- attempted data presented
ing out portions milky way. Thought and case considered as insuf-
perhaps Echo casting shadow, how- ficient data.
ever sun was in position this
even if possible.
)
ATIC FORM 329 (REV V 26 SEP 52) 26 SEP 52)
.

AREA REPORTED ON FROM (Agency)
Vicinity of Elberon, Virginia Hq, 4505th Air Refueling Wing, Langley AW.
DATE OF REPORT DATE OF INFORMATION EVALUATION
22 August 1960 13 August 1960 A--1
PREPARED BY (OfiCET) SOURCE
Major Albert F. Houghton, AO-694876 Various
REFEReNces (Control number, directite, prerious report, etc., as applicable)
SUMMARY: (Enter concise summary of report. Give signif ficance in final one-sentence paragraph. List inclosures at lower left. Begin text of report 111%-Part II.) *
*complete text follows:
On 15 August 1960, at approxinately l800 hours the preparing officer this report,
Major Albert F. Houghtony AC rce Ease,
Virginia, was called by a M William O. Warren, O.S.I., requested that he contact
a Lt Johns ton from Naval Intelligence in regard to an unidentified object recovered by
Navy personnel. A meeting was arranged at the residence of Major Houghton at l845 hours
The following information was furnished by Lt Johnston upon his arrival: The State
Police had called the Duty Officer of Oceana Naval Air Station Saturday night (13 Aug)
and reported an unidentified object on the ground approximately 35 miles west of Langley
At0a0 USN
but they were unable to identify the object as a NASA project. He then requested this
jobject be transferred to this base and the Ai over the investigation. Tenta-
Itive arrangenents were made through Sgt Bla remove the object, however, he
Istated that Lt Proctor, EOD Proctor called that after-
noon and stated he would visit th noon and stated he would visit he Naval Naval the preliminary eliminary r ex- ex-
lamination. On l7th August Lt Proctor visited the Nav nis object object
with a photographer with a photographer the 22d Lt Proctor contacted Majo r Houghton a nd made a signed
statenent of his investigation (see Attachment l). statenent of his investigation (see Attachment l). In additio In addition, three pictures were n, three pictures were
furnished of this object (see Attachment 2). On the aftermoon of the 22d Najor Houghton furnished of this object (see Attachment 2). On the aftermoon of the 22d Major Houghton
visited Mr. House (NAsA) and showed hin these pictures and requested his assistance in visited Mr. House (NAsa) and showed him these pictures and requested his assistance in
3 INCLS. / identifying this object. Several sections
were visited with negative results.
1. It Proctor's Statement
2. 3 Fhotographs of Object ALBERT F. NCUGHTON
3. Sketch of Object made at Scene of Discovery
Major, USAF
Wing Intelligence ficer
DISTRIBUTION BY ORIGINATOR
1 instructions for disposition this object which is presently
ceing ory,
INTELLIGENCE, USAF.
UNCLASSIFIED
(CLASSIFICATION) * U. S GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 19S0-O-91B331

-
Device
12 Aug 60 )
9' 10" to end of plastic bag
30"
16
24"
Styrofoam
24
Thru Eolts  20
16"
39" Fiberglass Tube
1
1
Plastic Bag astic Bag
Electrical Cable
'
.

AVCIN-42x
Report of Investigation
Mlueapolis lh, Hinnesota
Attn:
Per your telephone request, sttached is a copy of the report of
investigation and recovery of equipnent which was submit ted to ATIC. equioment whio ch was submitted to ATIC.
Copies of photographs Copies of photographs of said said equipment are also attached. equipment are also attached.
PHELIP G. EVANS 4 Atch: 4 Atch:
Colonel, USAF 1. AIR #ARWOI-6O-COL, 1. AIR #ARWOI-6O-COL,
Deputy for Science and Components dtd 22 Avg dtd 22 4g 60
2. 2. Photograph Photograph
3. Photograph Photorraph
14. Photograph
a
,

HEADQUARTERS
450STH AIR REFUELING WING (TAC)
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
Langley Air Force Base, Virginia
REPLY TO 5 OCT 1960
ATTN OF: ARMOI
SUBJECT: Unidentified Object
TO: Aerospace Technical Intelligence Center (ArcIN-4E2x)
right-Fitterson AFB, Ohio
1. Reference letter, Hq 4505 Air Refueling wing (aRiol), subject as
above, dated 25 Aug 60 and your lst Ind Ito subject letter dated 3l Aus
60.
2. Unidentified 2. Unidentified object shipped on or about 5 October l96o by "Loialk" object shipped on or about 5 October l96o by "Loialn"
With PRIORITT 5. With PhIORITT 5.
POR P.L OO. AJLH: POR FL CO. AJLR:
Grong CC GrongCC
od
A. CCE
G.ytEin, USAF
Administrative Officer
.

.

'4
C

This cave includes thro ) 8"x10" This cave includes tiro ) 8"x10" 0 10
phortogaphsand two(2) 8x10
regalines,
Phypical pecimn missing

September 2, 1960
Headquarters U S A F
SAPDI - 3.
Washingtcn 25, D. C.
RB: UPO
Dear Sire?
Upon naking inquiry w el Force Base
that I Hce.
On the night of August
pessage of the Echo Sattellite ower the Malbourne Tio
My interes emieI o
launche Phiadalpa
Your cocperation ma have avatlable have available
will be deeply ed.
Sincereiy,
ath
.

(
"
NEVER USE FOR APPROVALS DISAPPROA!S
MEMO ROUTING SLIP CONCURRENCES OR SIMILAR ACTIONS
NAME OR INITIALS CARCULATE
Me.jor riend
ORGANIZATION ANO LOXATION DATI COORDINAL
A AIIC
2 FILF
INPORMATION
3 NECESSARY
ACTION
MOTE AND
RETURN
SEE WF
SIGNATLRE SIGNATURE
REMARKS
Riease otovice ds with infcrmetion u Rleave otovice us with infcrmetion whie.. waic..
7
FROM NAME OR TITLE DATE
ons. AND LOCAIION TELEPHONT TELEPHONT
DD9 Repluces DAAge Replaces DA AGO Form ows. I Apr , and Form ows. IApe and 1HQ H4
DDFE9 Forg 12 Forr 12. Iu Nov 14 Nov which 1y be be 11 a>3
ltch#1
8

-
AIR TECHNICAL INTELLIGENCE CENTER
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE
OHIO
REPLY TO
ATTs OF: AFCIN-LE2x
21 SEP 1960
SUPJECT:
TO: SAFOI-3d (L/Col Tacker)
1. Reference attached letter to USAF from Mn
dated 2 September 1960, and DD For rm #95 from SAFOI-3d to ATIC requesting
information to use as a basis nswering letter,
dated 6 September 1960.
- 2. The following correspond to
a. No reports have reached ATIC for 18 August 1960, wnich parallel
Yes, Echo did cast a shadow on the night of 18 August 1960; how-
when someone has been straining to see some
object, has their nead in an unusual position for a long period, and
is experiencing some degree of excitement.
3. The object in our skys with whose shadow we are familiar is the moon.
The shadow of the moon is a long cone approximately 232,100 miles in
length. The shape and length is due to the difference in size of the
sun and moon and the distance between tnem. while this snadow of the
moon is always present, not always directly evident to us here
on earth because there is nothing on which it is portray crspororayeuTwe are able
to see evidence of it during phases other than full moon because por- to see evidence of phases other than full mO because por-
tions of the dark side are visible). The shadow of the moon is most tions of the dark side are visible). The shadow of the moon is most
evident to us here on earth evident to us here on eart when at the time of the new moon, the en at the time of the new moon, the moon
is near enough to the plane is near enough to the plane e ecliptic so that at least part e ecliptic so that at least part , of its of its
shadow will fall upon the surface of the earth. when this occurs shadow will fall upon the su the earth. when this occurs we
experience a solar eclipse. It has already been pointed out that the
average length of the moon's shadow is 232,lC0 miles. The average average length of the moon's shadow is 232,lC0 miles. The average
distance between the earth and moon distance between the earth and moon is approximately 238,c00 miles. n is approximately 238,c00 miles.
There are actually times when the shadow of the moon is too short to There are actually times when the shadow of the moon is too short to
i

between the diameter of the moon as compared to its average distance
is l/llo and this figures to btended angle of 3 approxi-
mately The ratio of the diameter of Echo to its distance is
1/52,800, an angular representation of 3.9l seconds. A shadow cast by
Echo would have a length of approximately 2.02 miles which, in view of
its looo mile distance from the earth, is far short reaching the
earth's surface.
4. Eche subtending an angle of 3.9l seconds is below the level of
resolution. Observers (without optical aidsare actually seeing the
light reflected from the surface of the satellite. This is comparable
to seeing sunlight reflected from a mirror which, in itself, is too
small to be seen at the same distance. (This is why Force puts
mirrors for signalling in
5. Mr was cerrect concerning his thoughts about the relation-
snip of mimself te any snadow cast by Echo on the night of 18 August l960.
when an observer can see any of tne surface from wnich light is reflected, when an an see any of tne surface from wnich light is reflected,
as in the case of the as in the e moon, then there exists an angle between the moon, then there exists an angle between the
observer, the object light source such that any prime shadow
cast b e object could not fall upon the observer.
. There have, on other occasions, been objects reported to the Air
Ferce wnich conjunction with Echo, but as yet no data has
been suomitted which was extensive enougn to allaw a positive conclusion.
The most probable cause of tnese sightings is misidentification of high
flying jet airer aft due to misassociation with tne satellite as to
distance an ity.
Pailip G. EVANS 2 Atch:
Colonel, USAF 1. Cy DD Fm 95, 6 Sep
Deputy for Science and Components 2. Cy_1tr 2 Sep 60, fr
:
2
,

SAFOI-3d/LtCol T ker/mhb/72291 |
(
23 September 1960
Dear
This is to acknowledge your letter of 2 September l96o con-
cerning the Echo satellite and the nidentified Lying object you
saw on 13 August 1960.
No reports have reached the Aerospace Technical Intelligence
Canter for 18 August 1960 which parallel the circumstances as spelled
out by you.
Yas, Echo did cast a shadow on the night of 18 August 1960; how-
ever, due to its size and distance the shadow of Echo is never evident
on the surface of the earth. A complete explanation follows later in
this correspondence.
Due to the limited data submitted with your sighting, it is im-
possible to reach a positive conclusion, Therefore, I am inclosing
An Air Force questionnaire for you to fill out. When the docuvent is
completed. please ward it to the Aerospace Technical Intelligence
to us here on earth at the time of the new moon, th moon is near
enough to the plane ecliptic so that at least par its shadow
will fall upon of the earth. When this occurs we experience
a solar clipse s already been pointed out that average length
of the woon's shade is 232,100 miles. The average distance between the
earth and moon is approximately 238,000 miles. There are actually times
when the shadow o when the shadow of the the moon is too ehort to reach earth, however, due earth, however, due
to the ercentricities of the orbits, the to the ercentricities of tb orbits, the distances between the moon and distances between the moon and
earth may vary between 2l7,750 earth may vary between 2l7,750 and 245,500 miles and during some of the
periods of th ner moon we we are close enough for close enough for shadow to be cast
upon the earth. upon the earth The ratio between the di fameter be difameter moon as compared moon as compared
to its average distance is 1/110 figure: figures t subtended angle subtended angle
of 31'5" or approximately or approximately 10 The the diameter of Echo to its tr
distance is 1/52,800, an angular distance is 1/52,800, an angular representation of 3.9l seconds. A representatio of 3.91 seconds. A
shadow cast by Echo would shadow cast by Echo would ha have length of length O approximately 2.02 miles which, pproximately 2.02 miles which,
in view of its looo mile distance in view of its looo mile distance from the earth, is far e from the earth, far short of reaching short reaching
the earth's surface.

person
18 August 1960 When an observer can see any of the surface from which
light is reflected, as in mocn, then there exists an
the light t source such that
ia upon the observer.
There have, on There have, on objects reported to the Air
Force which were seen in conjunction seen in conjunetion with Echo, but as yet no Echo, but as yet no data has
been submitted which was extensive been submitted which was extensive e enough to allow a positive conclusion. conclusion.
The most probable cause of these sightings is misidentification of high
flying jet aircraft due to misassociation with the satellite as to
distance and velocity.
Sincerely, Sincerely,
Inclosure LAWRENCE J. TACKER
Lt. Colonel, USAF
Public Information Division
Office of Information
Mr
F
rfocurns morids
VComeback OI-3a
Reader OI-l
DEHAICE
(eps 53 10 O PEL 53 10 32
7

22 A6u 1000
STATEMEN T
Norfolk,
Virginia on 17 August Malone of
the Base EOD Section. an object used to
carry electronic equipment fo or purposes as
designed. positive identifying features
except the initials (E one tage attached to the connection plug.
Other marking appeared but no way of associating their meaning with the
object. Item contained two (2) or more explosive squibs in series which
was used to cub parachute lines (two (2) live squibs are still present).
The tube like extension contained aluminum strips which assumed was used
as an antenna for the other attached equipment The center section of
the tube is metal which assumed contains the tube is metal which assumed contains the main equipment of the object. the main equipment of the object.
The center section was protected The center section was protected possible shock by very light material
taped taped and bolted to the tube. and bolted to the tube. her than explosive r than explosive squibs the squibs the object seemed object seemed
to be to be safe to handle. Squibs are Squi bs are now separated separated from the main object. Item
still should be handled very carefully until contents of the center section
is known.
Han i dr .
FRANCIS G PROCTOR
1/LT., USAF
EOD Officer
1
.

HE2
1
*2
—
5 RU6 1960
ARWOI
Uniden led Orject
Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC)
Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio
1. The attached Forma 112 nclosures is forwarded
formation and action. formation ction.
2. Request ime meliate instructions for future handling of this ohject.
At the present time the U. S. Haval Armory, Norfolk, Virginia, has the U. S. Haval Armory, Norfolk, Virginia, has
custody but, it is anticipated they will custody but, it is anticipated they vill soon request instructions for instructions for
dispcsition of this object since thoy ha dispesition of this object si ther ve turned the turned the investigation
over to the Air Force.
3. Mis 3. Mis i infonnation bas not been disserinated to AFoll or other infonnation bas not been disseninated to AFoll or other
agencies agencies as stated in ArR 200-2, Peragroph l4a, as the critoria of an as stated in ArR X hsasthe onitomio.
anidentified flying ebject has not been estnllichod.
FOR ME COCANDER:
. CEORGE A. COB 3 Atch
Cartein, VSAT (see Fors 110)
Admiaistrative officer
-
1st Ind (AFCIN-LE2x)
Aarospace Technical Intelligence Center, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio
TO: Hqs 4505th ir Rerveling Wing (TAc), Attn: ARWOI,
Langley Air Force Base, Virginia
It is requested that It is requested tnat unidentiried object refe unidentified object referred to in basic to in basic
communication be forwarded to communication be forwarded to o this Center, attention AFCLN-lbzx. this Center, attention AFCDN-lb2x.
FOR THE COMANDER: FOR THE OMANDER:
PHILIP G. EVANS 3 Atch
Colonel, USAF Colonel, USAF w/d w/d
Deputy for Science and Deputy for Science and COORDINATION: COORDINATION:
Components
AFCIN-lE2x_ Date tu
AFCIN-LE2 Mhoy C at 30 ago