CORROBORATED
CF-GEI-20090302236 CORROBORATED
The Savigné-sur-Lathan Space Station Observation
CASE FILE — CF-GEI-20090302236 — CASEFILES CLASSIFIED ARCHIVE
Date Date when the incident was reported or occurred
2009-03-17
Location Reported location of the sighting or event
Savigné-sur-Lathan, Indre-et-Loire, Centre, France
Duration Estimated duration of the observed phenomenon
Several minutes
Object Type Classification of the observed object based on witness descriptions
formation
Source Origin database or archive this case was sourced from
geipan
Witnesses Number of known witnesses who reported the event
1
Country Country where the incident took place
FR
AI Confidence AI-generated credibility score based on source reliability, detail consistency, and corroboration
85%
On March 17, 2009, a witness in Savigné-sur-Lathan, France observed two luminous points moving across the night sky. The witness reported the objects displayed changing luminosity and appearance during their passage, and noted what appeared to be a directional change behind a chimney obstruction. The observation occurred over two consecutive nights, with the witness describing the objects as bright points of light that varied in intensity and took on a reddish appearance as they approached the horizon.
GEIPAN investigators cross-referenced the sighting times with orbital data and determined that on the first night of observation, the Space Shuttle was in the approach phase to dock with the International Space Station (ISS). By the second night, the shuttle had successfully joined the ISS, forming what investigators termed an 'attelage' (coupling). The timing and trajectory of the observed lights matched precisely with the known orbital path of these spacecraft over France.
The witness's description of changing brightness and color was consistent with how sunlight reflects off spacecraft at different angles during their visible pass, and the reddening effect near the horizon is a well-documented atmospheric phenomenon affecting all luminous objects. GEIPAN classified this case as 'B' - a probable identification with high confidence that the observed objects were the Space Shuttle and ISS during their historic rendezvous.
02 Timeline of Events
2009-03-17 Evening
First Night Observation
Witness observes two luminous points moving across the sky. Space Shuttle is in approach phase to ISS at this time. Objects display varying luminosity during passage.
2009-03-17 During Pass
Apparent Directional Change
Witness reports objects changing direction behind a chimney obstruction. Likely misperception of trajectory when objects reappeared from behind the masking structure.
2009-03-17 Near Horizon
Color Change Observed
Objects take on reddish appearance as they approach the horizon - consistent with atmospheric refraction affecting all luminous objects at low elevation angles.
2009-03-18 Evening
Second Night Observation
Witness observes the objects again. Space Shuttle has now docked with ISS, creating a coupled 'attelage' configuration visible as two bright points in close proximity.
2009-03-18 Post-Observation
Report Submitted to GEIPAN
Witness files official report with GEIPAN describing the two-night sighting and unusual characteristics observed.
Investigation Phase
GEIPAN Cross-References Orbital Data
Investigators correlate witness testimony with Space Shuttle mission timeline and ISS orbital parameters, confirming spacecraft positions matched sighting times and location.
03 Key Witnesses
Anonymous Witness 1
Civilian observer
medium
Local resident of Savigné-sur-Lathan who observed the phenomenon over two consecutive nights and reported to GEIPAN
"No direct quotes available from investigation report"
04 Analyst Notes -- AI Processed
This case represents a textbook example of how dramatic space events can generate UFO reports from observers unfamiliar with spacecraft visibility patterns. The witness credibility appears reasonable, as their description of luminosity changes and reddening near the horizon demonstrates careful observation of real phenomena. The reported directional change is the only discrepancy, but GEIPAN's analysis provides a logical explanation: the apparent course change occurred when the objects passed behind a chimney, likely causing the witness to misjudge the true trajectory when the objects reappeared.
The case demonstrates GEIPAN's thorough investigative methodology, cross-referencing witness testimony with verifiable orbital mechanics data. The Space Shuttle-ISS docking would have created an unusually bright visual configuration, potentially explaining why this caught the witness's attention. The two-night observation pattern matches the known timeline of the shuttle approach and docking sequence. This case serves as a valuable reference for eliminating similar reports during periods of visible spacecraft activity, particularly during shuttle missions or ISS crew changes when multiple bright objects may be visible in formation.
05 Theory Comparison
BELIEVER ANALYSIS
SKEPTIC ANALYSIS
Satellite or Aircraft Misidentification
Even without the specific shuttle mission data, the characteristics described - two bright points moving steadily across the sky with varying brightness - are classic indicators of satellites or high-altitude aircraft. The two-night recurrence suggests an orbital object rather than a random phenomenon. The changing brightness and color are typical of reflective objects at varying angles and altitudes.
06 Verdict
ANALYST VERDICT
GEIPAN's classification B assessment is well-justified. The evidence strongly supports identification of the observed objects as the Space Shuttle during its approach and docking with the International Space Station. The timing, trajectory, visual characteristics, and multi-night observation pattern all align precisely with documented spacecraft activity. The single anomaly - the reported directional change - is adequately explained by observational error due to the chimney obstruction. This case holds minimal significance as an unexplained phenomenon but serves as an excellent educational example of how spectacular but mundane space events can generate reports. Confidence level: Very High (95%+) that this was a misidentification of known spacecraft.
AI CONFIDENCE SCORE:
85%
07 Community Discussion
VIEW ALL >// NO COMMENTS YET
Be the first field agent to contribute analysis on this case.
08 Live Chat 1 ROOM
ENTER LIVE CHAT
Real-time discussion with other field agents analyzing this case.