Unidentified flying object identified as satellite

Summary

An officer aboard a destroyer in the Pacific observed a bright object on the night of December 19, 1964. The object appeared 35 minutes after sunset, with a full moon 10 degrees above the horizon. It moved quickly, with alternating brightness, passing overhead from port to starboard. It reached a maximum altitude of 80 degrees to the south and faded at 4 degrees above the horizon. Observers concluded it was a satellite, specifically not ECHO I or ECHO II, but with identical characteristics. The report notes that the object did not match the known positions of ECHO I or ECHO II, but had all the traits of a satellite. It was calculated to be 55 degrees west of the ship, supporting the hypothesis of a satellite in orbit. Despite the clear description and observation by several officers, no photos were taken and no physical evidence was found. The report was classified as unclassified, allowing its current analysis without restrictions.