UFO identified as Cosmos 250

Summary

In February 1978, a truck driver in the Pyrénées-Orientales observed a fast-moving luminous object. Initially classified as a type D case, the GEIPAN later re-examined it using modern tools and experience. The witness described a silent object moving northeast, followed by an oval-shaped one. No other witnesses or physical evidence were found, but the event matched a satellite reentry. Cosmos 250 reentered the atmosphere on February 15, close to the time and direction reported. Although the witness is credible, he misremembered the date and the object's position, leading to the reclassification. Today, the case is classified as PAN A, linked to a misinterpretation of a satellite reentry.