Rocket stage reentry over French Polynesia in 1988

Summary

In October 1988, several witnesses in French Polynesia observed very bright white or red-orange balls following a straight trajectory without any sound. Initially classified as unexplained, GEIPAN later revisited the case with more advanced tools and experience. Analysis revealed the phenomenon coincided with the atmospheric reentry of the upper stage of the Raduga 22 satellite launch vehicle. The observed trajectory and timing matched NORAD data, confirming the explanation.

Most testimonies, though collected with some delay, allowed precise identification of the phenomenon's direction and duration. One account did not match exactly, but the overall dataset was sufficient to close the case. GEIPAN updated the classification to A, confirming atmospheric reentry of space debris.