CENAP Infoline - no 105

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP-INFOLINE
Issue Date: March 11, 2000
Publisher: CENAP
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of CENAP-INFOLINE, a German publication focused on UFOs and related phenomena, features several articles on space exploration, astronomical discoveries, and global surveillance.

Endeavour Mission and Gerhard Thiele

The lead story details the successful launch and early stages of the Endeavour space shuttle mission on February 12, 2000, carrying German astronaut Gerhard Thiele. The mission's primary objective is to create a highly accurate 3D map of the Earth using advanced radar systems. Thiele successfully deployed a 60-meter antenna mast, a critical maneuver that was completed without issues. The article notes that the mission aims to collect data for an ultra-precise world map and that the collected data has been of excellent quality. Bundesforschungsministerin Edelgard Bulmahn congratulated the crew via email. Thiele expressed his awe at experiencing sunrises over the Pacific and reflected on the human dreams that make such missions possible.

Further articles discuss efforts to conserve fuel during the Endeavour mission. Astronauts found that pedaling on a stationary bike helped stabilize the shuttle, acting like a gyroscope. NASA had identified 17 ways to save fuel, with five already implemented, allowing the Earth mapping mission to proceed as planned. The article also mentions the possibility of slower shuttle movement and a new method for disposing of urine to save energy.

Finally, the issue reports on the return of the Endeavour astronauts, including Gerhard Thiele, on February 22, 2000, after completing their Earth-mapping mission.

Mars Discovery: The Heart-Shaped Mountain

Another prominent article announces the discovery of a large, heart-shaped mountain on Mars, photographed by the Mars Global Surveyor probe. This feature, located in the planet's south polar region, is described as a plateau 2.3 kilometers wide and 255 meters high. The article clarifies that the heart shape is not artificial but is made visible by the sun's illumination of the terrain. The bright areas might indicate liquid nitrogen or dry ice, with temperatures as low as -130 degrees Celsius. The article also mentions the planet's lower gravity, which would allow humans to jump six meters high. The probe had previously discovered a crater resembling a smiling face.

Asteroid Eros: A Potential Earth Killer

The magazine covers the NEAR space probe's investigation of the asteroid Eros. Described as a 33-kilometer-long, 13-kilometer-wide, porous rock, Eros is considered a potential threat to Earth, with scientists believing it could have caused the extinction of dinosaurs millions of years ago. The NEAR mission, which took four years to reach Eros, aims to study its physical and chemical composition, and there's a possibility the probe might land on it. The discovery of craters and unusual fracture patterns suggests Eros might have once been part of a moon that was ejected into space. The article highlights NASA's proactive approach to understanding and potentially mitigating such threats.

Global Surveillance: The 'Echelon' System

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the 'Echelon' system, an extensive US intelligence operation for global electronic surveillance. The article, based on a report by the European Parliament's STOA agency, details how the US National Security Agency (NSA), with assistance from British counterparts, intercepts communications worldwide, including telephone, fax, telex, internet, and email. The system, operational since the 1970s, targets governments, organizations, and industries. The report criticizes the UK's involvement, suggesting it violates EU treaty obligations, and highlights the potential for misuse of such widespread surveillance. The article notes that the system has been effective in gathering intelligence and that civilian companies are involved in its operation, potentially aiding industrial espionage. Key control centers are mentioned in Bad Aibling (Germany), Menwith Hills (UK), and other locations globally.

Other News and Features

• Jupiter's Storms: The Galileo probe has observed giant thunderstorms on Jupiter, comparable to Earth's but far more powerful.
• Mir Space Station: The Russian space station Mir may continue operating with private funding from MirCorp, which is seeking investors to keep it operational for research, tourism, and advertising.
• Northern Lights: The article notes that intense solar storms can cause spectacular displays of the Northern Lights.
• Advertising Zeppelin Incident: An advertising Zeppelin caused disruptions to air traffic in Frankfurt after its tether was cut.
• Rocket Debris: A large piece of debris from a Russian 'Proton' rocket landed in a garden in Korgon, Russia.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores themes of space exploration, scientific discovery, and technological advancements, particularly in the context of astronomy and astronautics. There's a strong focus on international space missions and the role of German scientists. Alongside these, the magazine delves into controversial topics like global surveillance ('Echelon'), raising concerns about privacy and the potential for misuse of technology by intelligence agencies. The editorial stance appears to be one of informing the public about both the wonders of space and the potential threats and ethical dilemmas posed by advanced technology and intelligence gathering, while also highlighting German contributions to space exploration.