ECHO I satellite observation in the Pacific

Summary

A report from November 19, 1964, describes an aerial visual observation of a bright object, similar in magnitude to a star. The witness observed it for 10 minutes, from an elevation of 49 degrees until it faded at 78 degrees above the horizon. No tail or trail was observed, suggesting from the beginning that it could be a satellite. The event took place in the Pacific Ocean, near the coordinates 48.07N 172.10W.

The analysis concluded that the observed object was likely the ECHO I satellite, which was in orbit at the time and moving southeast. Although the initial report indicated a heading of 90 degrees (east), the data matched the satellite's position and trajectory. This case is an example of how UFO observers often reported objects that were later identified as known satellites or projectiles.