UFO Identified as Echo I Satellite

Summary

A civilian in Osgood, Indiana, reported in March 1961 having observed a luminous object resembling a star that flickered between brightness and dimness. The witness described the object moving from the south toward the southeast, reaching an elevation of about 45 degrees above the horizon. The sighting lasted five minutes and raised some concern in the observer, who asked if it could be the satellite Echo I, which he had seen the previous summer. After investigation, it was confirmed that the object was indeed the U.S. satellite Echo I, which was in orbit at the time. This case is an example of how observers can confuse space objects with unexplained phenomena, prompting coordination with space surveillance centers to clarify doubts.

The official response from Project 10073 concluded that there was no evidence of an unidentified object, but rather a known satellite. The witness was informed of this result, closing the case without further investigation.