VENDAYS-MONTALIVET (33) 12.12.2015

Summary

On December 12, 2015, two residents of Vendays-Montalivet observed a bright point moving across the sky that blinked on and off several times. Initially thought to be an Iridium satellite flare, the object was observed for thirty seconds. The report concluded it was an artificial satellite, specifically the SL-23 R/B. This object, moving from southwest to east, matched the witness's description. Although the observation was brief, data confirmed it was a known space object. The case was classified as "A," indicating a clear identification with a satellite, specifically the SL-23 R/B, designated 2015-074-C.

The description of the object, with intermittent flashes and rapid movement, is typical of satellites spinning on their axis. The match between the time, trajectory, and visual description supports this conclusion. Although rare, the confusion with a Zenit rocket stage is plausible, but data align with a known space object. This case, while intriguing, does not point to unidentified phenomena but to an accurate observation of a known space object. The A classification reflects the solid explanation provided by investigators.