CENAP Infoline - no 083

Magazine Overview

This issue of cenap-infoline, identified as nr.83 and dated 14. Dezember 1998, presents a critical examination of prominent UFO phenomena and significant advancements in space exploration. The cover prominently features a headline suggesting the definitive debunking of two UFO-related myths, specifically referencing 'Der Fall Meier' (The Meier Case) and the 'UFO-Kontaktier entlarvt?' (UFO Contactee Exposed?) question. The issue delves into the Roswell incident and the controversial film presented by Ray Santilli, alongside an investigation into the claims of UFO contactee Billy Meier. Complementing these UFO-focused articles are extensive reports on the construction of the International Space Station (ISS), detailing the missions of the Endeavour space shuttle and its crew.

UFO Investigations: Roswell and Billy Meier

The magazine critically analyzes the Roswell incident, noting that over 400 eyewitnesses claim a crashed alien spacecraft and bodies were recovered in New Mexico in 1947. It discusses Ray Santilli's 1995 film, which purported to show wreckage and an alien autopsy. Michael Hesemann, an author featured in the magazine, is credited with investigating Santilli's claims, verifying eyewitness accounts, and having the film examined by pathologists who reportedly ruled out it being a hoax or a deformed child. Hesemann's book, 'Jenseits von Roswell' (Beyond Roswell), is also promoted.

The issue also addresses the claims of Eduard 'Billy' Meier, a contactee who allegedly produced genuine footage of Pleiadian spacecraft. The magazine highlights a Fox TV special announced for December 28, 1998, which aimed to expose 'hoaxes' related to UFOs and other phenomena. Bob Kiviat, producer of the 'Alien Autopsy' film, is involved in this special. The article suggests that Meier himself confessed to faking some of his images, though he maintains that the majority of his material shows real Pleiadian spacecraft. The Fox special is also set to cover other UFO-related topics like MJ-12, the 'KGB UFO Crash,' and prominent UFO investigators.

Kal Korff is mentioned as a key figure in the European segment of the Fox special, and his efforts to separate 'facts from fictions' are praised. The magazine notes that the 'Alien Autopsy' film is revealed to be a 1994 video production, not from 1947. Hesemann and his followers are anticipated to react strongly to these revelations.

Space Exploration: Building the International Space Station (ISS)

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the construction of the International Space Station (ISS). The Endeavour space shuttle's mission to deliver the Unity module is extensively covered. The launch, initially delayed by 24 hours due to a technical issue, successfully carried the 11.5-ton Unity module. Astronauts Jerry Ross and James Newman performed spacewalks to connect Unity with the Russian Sarja module, laying the foundation for the station, which is planned for completion in 2004.

The articles detail the complex procedures involved, including the use of the shuttle's robotic arm to maneuver the modules and the meticulous work of connecting cables and installing equipment. The scale of the project is emphasized, with plans for astronauts to spend thousands of hours over several years assembling the station from over 100 components weighing 460 tons. The total cost of the ISS is estimated at $100 billion, involving 16 nations, including the US, Russia, Japan, Canada, Brazil, and several European countries.

Specific spacewalks are described, including the initial activation of the ISS with power supplied from Sarja to Unity, and subsequent tasks like attaching antennas and unfurling a stuck navigation antenna on the Sarja module. The astronauts expressed pride and excitement about their contribution to this historic project, describing the ISS as a 'super place' and their 'new home.' The magazine also touches upon the use of 'jet packs' for future emergency situations and the development of bacteria to break down waste on the station.

Other Science and Technology News

Beyond the ISS construction, the magazine includes a brief report on the Mars Climate Orbiter mission, launched on Friday, September 5, 1998, with an expected arrival at Mars in September 1999. A second mission, the Mars Polar Lander, is scheduled for January 1999. Both missions aim to study Mars' climate and the presence of water.

Another short piece discusses the Leonids meteor shower of 1998, noting that the event was different from expectations, with a global fireball rain occurring unexpectedly on the morning of November 17th, rather than a predicted meteor storm. The magazine also features a brief article on balloon launches in the Arctic to study the ozone hole, mentioning the European THird European Stratospheric Experiment on Ozone (THESEO) campaign.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's stance appears to be one of skepticism towards sensational UFO claims, favoring critical investigation and debunking. The cover headline and the focus on the Fox TV special suggest an agenda to expose 'hoaxes' in the UFO field. This is contrasted with a strong emphasis on factual reporting of scientific and technological achievements, particularly in space exploration, highlighting the collaborative international effort behind the ISS. The editorial tone is informative and detailed, providing technical specifics on the space missions and scientific endeavors.