UFO recovered in Burkina Faso identified as Atlas rocket

Summary

A metal object that fell in Burkina Faso in 1962 was analyzed and identified as part of an Atlas Booster rocket. Field workers found it and submitted it for study. Two fragments were found 40 kilometers apart, both showing signs of explosion and intense heat. A telegram from the Department of State confirmed it was not an aircraft, but a rocket engine of U.S. design.

The piece had markings that allowed identification as part of an Atlas rocket used in a space mission. The ambassador attempted to obtain possession of the material for analysis. This case is an example of how unidentified objects can have technological explanations, such as remnants of fallen space rockets.