CENAP Infoline - no 173

Magazine Overview

CENAP-INFOLINE, Issue Nr. 173, dated April 16, 2003, is a German-language publication focusing on science, technology, and potentially UFO-related phenomena. This issue prominently features two main articles: one on Europe's upcoming lunar exploration mission and another on mysterious holes appearing in German fields, with a strong implication of extraterrestrial involvement.

Europa greift nach dem Mond (Europe reaches for the Moon)

This article, published in the 'MORGEN' section (dated April 1, 2003, Nr. 76), details the European Space Agency's (ESA) upcoming mission to explore the Moon. After a three-decade gap since the last Apollo missions, Europe is preparing to send the 'Smart 1' probe to the Earth's natural satellite. The probe, weighing approximately 350 kilograms and equipped with ten experiments, is currently undergoing final testing at the Dutch technology center in Noordwijk. Its launch is planned for July or August from French Guiana.

The mission's motto is 'small, cost-effective, and compact,' reflecting Europe's desire to maintain a presence in space exploration despite the high costs of the International Space Station (ISS) and challenges within the aerospace industry. 'Smart 1' aims to answer several lingering questions about the Moon, such as the cause of its formation (potentially a collision with a Mars-sized planet), the existence of water ice on the lunar surface, and the composition of its crust.

The 101.5 million Euro probe will collect data over a six-month period via an elliptical orbit. It carries a high-resolution mini-camera and two spectrometers, including an infrared device designed for deep scans of the shadowy south polar craters. The article notes that the mission is a collaborative effort, with the probe being tested in the Netherlands and launching from French Guiana.

Marktführer beim Weltraumtourismus? (Market leader in space tourism?)

This section, appearing in 'FLUG REVUE SEPTEMBER 2002' (though presented in this issue), discusses Russia's ambitions to become a leader in the burgeoning space tourism market. Leveraging the expertise and technology from the Soviet era, Russian constructors aim to capture this promising sector.

Russia has openly declared its goal of leading the space tourism market and has partnered with the US-based travel agency Space Adventures from Arlington, Virginia. The article lists several high-profile potential clients, including US pop idol Lance Bass (of N'SYNC), former NASA employee Laurie Garver, supermodel Cindy Crawford, and a wealthy Polish businessman. The demand is reportedly high, with customers allegedly forming queues.

Moscow is also pushing forward with the construction of the commercial 'Enterprise' module, intended to serve as a living and research space for three astronauts. Additionally, plans are in place for more frequent crewed missions to the ISS, allowing space tourists to stay in the module for up to four weeks. Yuri Koptjew, head of the Russian space agency Rosaviakosmos, even suggested that if necessary, three Russian citizens could occupy the ISS alone.

However, the path to space tourism is paved with medical checks and extensive training. A significant hurdle is the six-month training period required. For instance, Lance Bass might not complete his training by the planned October launch date, potentially forcing the Russians to forgo the 20 million dollar fee if they wish to maintain their launch schedule.

Russia also offers a more affordable option: a suborbital flight costing $98,000, requiring only about four days of preparation. This flight reaches an altitude of approximately 100 kilometers, offering passengers a brief glimpse of Earth from the edge of space.

MINI-BURAN FOR TOURISTS

The article details the 'Cosmopolis XXI' or 'M-55-C-XXI' mini-shuttle, developed by the Moscow 'Mjasischtschew' works. This vehicle is based on the technology used for the Soviet space shuttle 'Buran,' which had only one flight in 1988. The new craft is about eight meters long, weighs three tons, and accommodates a pilot and two passengers.

The mini-shuttle is carried to an altitude of 20 kilometers by a carrier aircraft (the M-55) and then released. Small rockets then accelerate the cabin for 80 seconds, propelling it to a ballistic trajectory reaching 101 kilometers in altitude. After a few minutes of flight at the edge of space, the shuttle returns to Earth, using small wings for precise control and landing on a standard aircraft landing gear. The entire flight lasts a maximum of two hours, with passenger G-force not exceeding 4g.

The system requires a runway of at least 1800 meters for takeoff and landing and can be deployed anywhere in the world. Initial flights are planned for 2004/2005, with an aim of one flight per week. The preparation involves mounting new solid-fuel rocket boosters, a process that takes only one day.

Russia intends to build seven such tourist shuttles, each capable of three flights per week. The cost of development is estimated at $50,000 per flight, with organizers expecting a profit of $150,000 per flight. Currently, the project is seeking an additional $70 million for completion. Over 100 individuals have reportedly signed up, with another 150 holding options, and $1.8 million in advance payments received. However, Russian consumer protection laws prohibit the use of these advance payments for development, posing a financial challenge.

UFO-Alarm in Bitterfeld (UFO Alarm in Bitterfeld)

This article, from 'BILD RHEIN-NECKAR' (dated April 1, 2003, Page 7), reports on a mysterious circular hole discovered in a field near Bitterfeld, Germany. The hole is 1.10 meters deep and 1.30 meters wide, with smooth edges and no signs of excavation or tire tracks.

The discovery has sparked local speculation, with some villagers suggesting it could be the landing site of a UFO or that extraterrestrials 'beamed' the hole into the earth. Farmer Heinz Renn, who discovered the hole on his wheat field, expressed bewilderment.

UFO researcher Erich von Däniken (67) commented that similar unexplained holes have appeared in Switzerland, with their origins remaining a mystery. Johannes von Buttlar (56) described the phenomenon as 'truly a phenomenon' due to the missing earth and smooth walls, noting similar reports in his archive from across Europe.

Ulrich Herold (50) from the State Office for Geology admitted he could not provide a clear explanation. The article concludes with the farmer's continued curiosity and hope that the extraterrestrials might return, perhaps offering an explanation.

Es gibt noch mehr unheimliche Ufo-Löcher! (There are more uncanny UFO holes!)

This follow-up article, also from 'BILD' (dated April 2, 2003), expands on the UFO hole phenomenon, reporting on similar discoveries in Germany. It highlights that the Bitterfeld hole is not an isolated incident.

Just 70 kilometers away, near Liederstädt, a hole measuring 4 meters deep and 6 meters wide was found. This hole, like the one in Bitterfeld, had no surrounding earth or tire tracks. The article also references similar mysterious holes found near Kelbra in 1993 (5 meters wide, 2 meters deep) and near Helfta in 1995.

UFOlogist Ingrid Schlotterbeck (53) stated that these holes are 'mysterious' and asserted that extraterrestrial life exists beyond our solar system, with aliens potentially visiting our planet. She suggests that such phenomena might be evidence of this.

Another report mentions a hole discovered near Mochau, described as circular, 2 meters deep, and precisely cut, with a diameter of 3 meters. A villager commented on the unsettling nature of knowing that beings from a different world might have visited.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The CENAP-INFOLINE issue presents a dual focus on cutting-edge space exploration and the persistent fascination with UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on both established scientific endeavors, like ESA's lunar mission and the potential for space tourism, and more speculative topics, such as unexplained aerial phenomena and mysterious ground traces. The inclusion of UFO researchers and the framing of the 'UFO holes' as potentially extraterrestrial events suggest an openness to, or at least an interest in, unconventional explanations for unexplained occurrences. The magazine seems to cater to an audience interested in both the future of space travel and the enduring mysteries of UFOs.