UFO observed near Echo I satellite orbit

Summary

A military aircraft spotted an object on the night of February 3, 1962, northwest of Iceland. The object was seen for seven minutes, following an orbital path. It was compared to the Echo I satellite, which was active at the time. Observers, without optical aids, noted its rapid movement and star-like brightness. The aircraft was at 12,000 feet altitude, with clear skies, aiding the observation. The report concluded the object could be a satellite, though other possibilities were not ruled out.

The exact location of the sighting was 65.14°N, 28.46°W, and the object disappeared at 03:22:43 UTC. Although balloon or aircraft possibilities were considered, the analysis more clearly pointed to a satellite. This case is part of the records of Project 10073, an Air Force initiative to document unidentified object sightings during the Cold War. The report, though brief, shows the rigor with which these events were recorded.