STS-48: Space Shuttle Discovery Films Objects Performing Abrupt Maneuvers, Apparent Weapon Fired
On September 15, 1991, during the NASA Space Shuttle Discovery mission STS-48, a truly bizarre event is captured on video. The shuttle is 355 miles above Earth, its camera trained on the planet's outline, when a bright object enters the frame from the top right, seemingly from deeper space, moving steadily toward Earth's atmosphere. Within seconds, a flash appears from the lower left portion of the screen and the object performs an about-face. As this occurs, another object shoots out from the lower left, looking like a projectile, and seems to just miss hitting the original object. The camera ceases broadcasting about 65 seconds after the encounter. Dr. Jack Kasher, a physics professor at the University of Nebraska and NASA consultant, performs a detailed analysis and finds at least a dozen distinct events. He demonstrates five proofs that discount NASA's ice particle theory. Kasher concludes: 'It's hard not to think that the objects were some kind of spaceship at a considerable distance from the shuttle.' Depending on distance assumptions, the velocity of the second object would have been between 250 mph and 430,000 mph. Jeff Challender concludes the object 'must be independently propelled.' Harry Jordan, a former radar operator on the USS Roosevelt, claims he heard astronauts on ham radio say they had a 'UFO' — 'the alien spacecraft' — under observation. NASA subsequently decides to delay all broadcasts of its missions, ending live coverage.
Background
EVENT TITLE: STS-48: Space Shuttle Discovery Films Objects Performing Abrupt Maneuvers, Apparent Weapon Fired
EVENT DATE: 1991-09-15
EVENT TYPE: sighting
1. On September 15, 1991, during the NASA Space Shuttle Discovery mission STS-48, unusual objects were filmed. The video captured what appeared to be a three-dimensional object entering the frame and an apparent weapon being fired at another object.
The Incident
The Space Shuttle Discovery was 355 miles above Earth when the incident occurred. A bright object entered the frame from the top right, seemingly from deeper space. The object was captured on video for two seconds.
The object appeared to be three-dimensional. Its apparent diameter grew during the first second it was visible, giving the impression it was moving toward the camera. The video also showed what appeared to be the firing of a weapon at an object entering Earth’s orbit.
Investigation
An official explanation suggests the objects were booster rocket firing which thereby moved ice particles and debris in various directions. However, this explanation has been energetically argued to be impossible. One suggestion was that the object might have been “a reflection of something in a window or a small nearby particle,” but this was not confirmed.
Shuttle debris was ruled out as a likely explanation. Debris would move away from the shuttle, not toward it. The video shows no evidence of reflection.
Significance
The STS-48 video is considered one of the most famous space videos of a UFO. The event remains unexplained, with the official explanation facing strong opposition. The possibility of a genuine space anomaly must be considered until a detailed scientific analysis is undertaken.