Red UFO with unusual trajectory in 1952

Summary

An engineer from California reported in December 1952 having observed a red object moving at high speed, leaving a fire trail. The testimony, part of an extensive Air Force form, describes a spherical object traveling northeast, performing maneuvers impossible for a conventional aircraft. The witness, employed at a rocket test lab, compared the trajectory to a rocket, but noted the absence of lights and the extremely high speed, estimated at 2000 mph. Although a balloon was considered, no definitive explanation was reached. The report includes sketches and weather data, but no photos or recordings.