Tag: Spacecraft

Synopsis: On 07 Oct 12, while taking photography of the sky at pre-dawn, the witness of this investigation saw a bright object in the sky fly overhead. Initially, the witness thought the object was a satellite until it became extremely bright. The bright object then faded away as it continued to fly away.

Evidence Submitted: A video and photo of the object.

Initial Action: This UFO investigation was opened as an FB1, a fly-by of a UFO that traveled in a straight line across the sky.

Investigation and Findings: After a review of the video, the investigators conducted research on various satellite and meteor reporting websites. According to several satellite tracking websites, and the description of the UFO given by the website, the UFO was an iridium flare from the Iridium 96 communications satellite.

Object Details: On 11 February 2002, a Delta 2 rocket launched The Iridium 96 communications satellite into Low Earth Orbit. Part of a constellation, the satellite enables link between phones from anywhere to anywhere on the globe. The satellite remains in Low Earth Orbit with an apogee of 682km and a perigee of 678.3km. A satellite flare, moreover, is the phenomenon caused by the reflective surfaces on satellites (such as antennas or solar panels) reflecting sunlight directly onto the Earth below and appearing as a brief, bright “flare”.

Synopsis: On 06 June 12, at approximately 2337, the witness of this investigation was walking the family dog and observed a bright star-like object in the sky traveling West to East. According to the witness, “the UFO” was traveling very fast in a straight line.

Evidence Submitted: Video footage from a cellphone.

Initial Action: This UFO investigation was opened as an AN1 – an anomaly that left no lasting physical effects, such as lights in the sky and similar phenomena. A preliminary analysis of the photo indicated the UFO was more than likely an artificial satellite in Low Earth Orbit.

Investigation and Findings: The investigators contacted the witness of this investigation. According to the witness, the UFO was a starlike object and made no noise. The UFO also travelled in a straight path and made no erratic maneuvers. Indices checks on satellite tracking databases later indicated the UFO was the Iridium 44 communications satellite in Low Earth Orbit. The Iridium 44 satellite passed over the witness at the nearly the same time the witness reported seeing the UFO.

Object Details: The Iridium 44 was part of a planned commercial communications network comprised of a constellation of 66 LEO spacecraft. The system uses L-Band to provide global communications services through portable handsets. The satellite launched from the Peoples Republic of China on 08 Dec 97. The satellite remains in Low Earth Orbit with an apogee of 654 km and a perigee of 629 km.

Synopsis: On 04 June 12, at 2237 hours, the witness of this investigation observed “a starlike object moving in the night”. The object traveled across the sky from North to South for approximately three to ten seconds before disappearing. The witness also reported the object made no noise or unusual maneuvers, and was about the same brightness as a star.

Evidence Submitted: A sketch of the UFO.

Initial Action: This UFO case was opened as a FB1, a fly-by of a UFO traveling in a straight line across the sky. A preliminary analysis of the UFO description and sketch indicated the UFO was more than likely a man-made satellite in Low Earth Orbit.

Investigation and Findings: On 05 Aug 12, a team of investigators traveled to Huntington, MD and interviewed the witness of this UFO sighting. The witness described the UFO as a starlike object traveling from North to South until is disappeared over the horizon. The witness also pointed to the area in the sky where the object was observed, which was calculated at 42° above the horizon. After the interview, investigators conducted indices checks on satellite tracking databases and identified the UFO as space junk, more specifically, the Cosmos 1733 Rocket in Low Earth Orbit. The Cosmos 1733 Rocket passed over the witness’ location on the same date the UFO was observed (04 June 12) and at the same time (2238 hours). The Cosmos 1733, moreover, was traveling in the same direction (North to South) as reported by the witness.

Object Details: The Cosmos 1733 Rocket (US Space Command Catalog No. 16611) was a Soviet ELINT (Electronic and Signals Intelligence) satellite launched from the Plesetsk cosmodrome on 20 Feb 86. The satellite remains in Low Earth Orbit with an apogee of 552 km and a perigee of 539 km.