Saint-Marsal 2004, ISS observation

Summary

On May 14, 2004, an amateur astronomer observed a very bright point moving slowly northeast. Despite a second observation three hours later, the object remained unidentified. The gendarmerie received no other testimonies and initially classified the case as unexplained. However, a re-examination using modern tools and accumulated experience revealed that the observed object was the International Space Station (ISS). The witness was confused due to a mistaken belief that satellites could not be visible at that time. The case was finally reclassified as PAN A, confirming the observed phenomenon was the ISS.