1969 06 00 Science & Mechanics

Magazine Overview

Title: Science & Mechanics
Issue: June 1969
Price: 35¢

This issue of Science & Mechanics prominently features a cover story detailing an exclusive interview with Astronaut Gordon about a UFO he photographed during the Gemini 11 flight. The magazine also includes articles on Senator William Proxmire's warnings about credit card dangers, Vietnam fallout diseases, and automotive reviews.

"This UFO Was Photographed by Astronaut Gordon on Gemini 11 Flight!"

The lead article, "On Our Astronauts?" by Lloyd Mallan, focuses on the Gemini 11 UFO sighting. Astronaut Richard F. Gordon Jr. photographed an object during the Gemini 11 mission in September 1966. Initially identified by NORAD as the Russian satellite Proton III, NASA later listed it as "unidentified." Mallan recounts his conversation with Gordon, who described the object as a brilliant, yellow-orange light, appearing like a metallic spacecraft. Gordon stated it was a solid object, not an illusion, and that it was moving into view from their left window and then dropped down in front of them.

NORAD Headquarters confirmed that Proton III was tracked, but at a distance of approximately 249 miles behind the Gemini 11 spacecraft, making it impossible for Gordon to have photographed it. Major Del Kindschi of NORAD and personnel at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center confirmed they had no record of any other object being tracked in front of Gemini 11 at that time.

The article also highlights three other earlier cases of UFO sightings by American astronauts:

1. Gemini-4, Astronaut McDivitt: Observed a cylindrical object with a protuberance and an antenna-like extension. This object appeared to be closing in on the spacecraft. While McDivitt thought it might be an unmanned satellite, possibly Pegasus (which was 1,200 miles away), its angular extension did not match Pegasus-B's dimensions.
2. Gemini-4, Astronaut McDivitt: Reported seeing a bright light, described as a "star," moving in a polar orbit higher than the Gemini-4 spacecraft. This sighting has not been definitively identified as a known satellite.
3. Gemini-7, Astronaut Borman: Saw a "bogey" flying in formation with the spacecraft. The intercom transcript reveals the "bogey" was an actual sighting, not the booster, and was accompanied by "hundreds of little particles" about 3 to 7 miles away, at his 2 o'clock position, slowly tumbling.

Dr. Franklin E. Roach, a principal investigator for the Condon Report, analyzed these astronaut UFO reports. He concluded that the training and meticulousness of astronauts place their sightings in the highest category of credibility. Roach's study convinced him that the flying objects observed were indeed UFOs, though he missed the Gemini 11 sighting in his analysis.

Other Articles

• Vietnam Fallout: Horrible Diseases for the U.S.: This article likely discusses the health consequences of the Vietnam War.
• Joe Gutts on the Hemi Road Runner: Superformance!: A review or discussion of the Hemi Road Runner car, possibly by Joe Gutts.
• Basil Thursday on the Renault R-16: Gallic Gadabout!: An automotive piece by Basil Thursday about the Renault R-16.

Junkyard To Mule Power

This section details a project where students convert junked cars into tractors, dubbed "The Mule." The process involves dismantling cars, using steel pipe and sheet metal for structural parts, and concrete for weight. The objective is to create affordable tractors for underdeveloped countries, with each car yielding one tractor. The cost per car is estimated at $145, with an additional $130 for water freight and $220 for new parts. The resulting "Mule" can achieve 20 mph and has the pulling power of a new tractor.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs, giving significant weight to astronaut testimonies. The editorial approach seems to favor presenting evidence and expert analysis, even when official identifications are lacking or questionable. The inclusion of automotive reviews and discussions on contemporary issues like Vietnam fallout suggests a broad interest in science, technology, and current events. The "Junkyard To Mule Power" article highlights a practical, innovative application of technology and resourcefulness.