The fake rocket hoax at Angelus Crest

Summary

In October 1957, a rocket-like object appeared in Angelus Crest, California. Submitted to authorities, it was revealed to be a hoax. The object had Russian markings, but it turned out to be a prank by an employee of Bendix Radio. The aluminum fins bore ATC markings, and the Russian script was clearly amateurish. The perpetrator admitted building the object to prank his boss.

The Air Force and ATIC analyzed the case, concluding there was no propulsion or foreign origin. The incident was classified as an obvious hoax, and it was decided not to disclose details to avoid job-related consequences for the involved individual. The object was sent to ATIC for study, but nothing extraordinary was found. This case reflected the growing concern over similar hoaxes during the Cold War.