Soviet Karelia: Military Guards Discover Shuttle-Shaped Craft Near Viborg
In early August 1987, five servicemen from the Leningrad Military Region are sent to a unit in northern Karelia to guard an object recently discovered north of Viborg. The object resembles an American space shuttle, measuring 46 feet long, 15 feet wide, and 8 feet high. It is seamless, greyish-tan in color, and smooth-looking with a somewhat rough surface. The men experience pain when approaching it. A week later, a special commission of officers arrives but cannot enter the object; it is moved to a hangar. Investigators eventually enter part of it, finding two armchairs, steering wheel-like controls, and a control panel. Shiny rods from 8 inches to 3 feet are removed; men burn their hands through gloves. The object is gone by late September. The story is repeated in multiple sources.
Background
1. In early August 1987, five servicemen from the Leningrad Military Region were dispatched to northern Karelia. Their mission was to guard an unusual object discovered near Viborg. The object was reported to resemble an American space shuttle.