Sputnik III seen in 1960

Summary

In 1960, an Australian officer, Sqn Ldr A. Frost, observed a bright object in the sky that appeared to correspond to the atmospheric re-entry of Sputnik III. This Soviet satellite, orbiting Earth, was expected to disintegrate between April 2 and 6. Frost began his observation at 19:30 and sighted a bright red object moving slowly, flashing every 0.8 seconds. The object disappeared around 20:03, without making any sound. This report, part of an Australian military communication system, highlighted the visual characteristics and trajectory of the object, which moved from northeast to northwest, maintaining a constant elevation of about 10 degrees above the horizon.

The report also includes instructions on handling classified files and how to report sightings. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) expected Sputnik III to behave like a shooting star, albeit slower, with color changes and possibly leaving a smoke or flame trail. The importance of recording any sightings for the Department of Air was emphasized, with specific details on the direction and duration of the phenomenon. Such observations were crucial for better understanding satellites in orbit and their atmospheric re-entries, in the context of intense space competition during the Cold War.