Balloon recovered at Keesler AFB

Summary

In April 1963, a polyethylene balloon was recovered at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi. The object weighed between 1000 and 1500 pounds and had no markings or payload. Although other possibilities such as an aircraft or astronomical object were initially considered, it was concluded to be a high-altitude research balloon. The lack of additional information hindered further analysis, but Captain Joe Kittinger was contacted and confirmed the balloon belonged to his research organization. This case illustrates how unidentified objects often have scientific or technical explanations.