UFO identified as satellite Echo I

Summary

An elliptical object, the size of a baseball and as bright as a star, was observed in November 1960 near Tyndall AFB and New Orleans. The witness, an air technician, saw it for about eight to ten minutes, describing a steady movement from south to north with a slight weaving motion. Initially thinking it might be an aircraft, he soon noticed it did not behave like one. A later investigation confirmed the object was the Echo I satellite, an inflatable sphere launched for communication experiments. This case is a classic example of how satellites could be mistaken for mysterious phenomena, especially in the early days of the space race.

The observation was recorded by military and civilian sources, and although there were no photographs, the detailed testimony helped identify the object. The Echo I satellite was known for its high visibility at night, making it a point of interest for many observers. This document shows how military authorities analyzed UFO sightings, always seeking a reasonable explanation before considering more enigmatic possibilities.