George W. Hoover

George W. Hoover was a U.S. Navy Commander and acclaimed naval scientist recognized as the 'grandfather' of satellite technology. He made significant contributions to atmospheric balloon research through Project Skyhook, the X-15 Jet Aircraft development, and Werner von Braun's Project Orbiter, which resulted in the launch of Explorer I, the first American satellite. After retiring from naval service, Hoover served as a leading consultant to NASA, General Dynamics, McDonnell Douglas, and Curtis Wright. According to declassified accounts, Hoover was professionally involved in UFO study while at the Navy and confirmed that the 1947 Roswell crash was neither a balloon nor a hoax based on evidence he personally examined in an official capacity. He was also engaged in reverse-engineering and technology transfer of Roswell material as a Naval Intelligence Officer with Top Secret clearances, working with metallurgists on titanium-nickel alloys research.