SAULTAIN (59) 04.03.2022

On 4 March 2022 at about 04:50, a resident of Saultain (59) reported seeing a long line with lights varying and fluctuating along its length for about 90–120 seconds. It moved steadily away, giving the impression of rising. A video sent via WeTransfer on 22 March 2022 could not be read because its format was unrecognized. GEIPAN requested it again by email on 8 April, but received no reply. GEIPAN judges the evidential strength low: one witness and no usable photographs or video of the UAP. On 3 March 2022 at 14:25 UT, or 15:25 local time, SpaceX launched its 39th batch of 47 Starlink internet satellites aboard a Falcon 9 from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The satellites were deployed one after another. In the hours after launch, their close spacing and alignment create the impression of a line of lights. The source explains that Starlink satellites are regularly visible over France, particularly during the first 15 days after launch before reaching their final orbits. GEIPAN refers readers to the explanation of successive points of light in its What did I see? section and to the Starlink satellites article on Méprises du ciel. It classifies the case as A: observation of the Starlink train launched on 3 March 2022.