Earth Orbit: Gemini XI astronauts photograph unidentified tumbling object
Astronauts aboard Gemini XI photographed an unidentified object during their 1966 mission. The crew captured multiple images of a tumbling object that analysts later debated. Official investigations offered conflicting explanations regarding the sighting's nature.
Background
The Gemini XI mission, launched on September 12, 1966, carried astronauts Pete Conrad and Richard Gordon into Earth orbit. During their scheduled activities, the crew encountered and photographed an anomalous object that appeared to tumble through space.
The astronauts captured three distinct photographs showing the unknown phenomenon against the backdrop of Earth's horizon. Voice transcripts recorded on page 106 document their real-time observations of the strange object.
Initial analysis by the Condon Committee suggested the object was the Proton III satellite. However, the report contained internal contradictions regarding the object's apparent size and photographic detail. Despite these discrepancies, NORAD's satellite identification was accepted as the official explanation.