Space Drive - 1970 No 04

Magazine Overview

Title: SPACE DRIVE
Issue: No. 4, Vol. 1
Date: 11 September 1970
Publisher: Experimental Space Craft Development
Country: England
Price: FREE (Exchange Copy)

This issue of Space Drive, an International Magazine for SPACE-UFOS-SCIENCE, presents a blend of topics, with the editor seeking reader input on content balance. The cover features a dramatic illustration of flying saucers near a galaxy, with the headline "Good Bye to The UFOs," though the editorial clarifies this is not entirely the case.

Editorial

The editorial, written by Edward Harris, addresses the editor's dilemma regarding the magazine's content. He notes that while some personalities have allowed reproduction of their scientific research, they are hesitant to have it published alongside UFO material. Furthermore, the impact of the Condon Report has led to a perceived decline in public interest in UFOs. The editor proposes alternating issues between science/astronomy content and UFO content, seeking reader approval for this approach. He also introduces new reporters to the staff, including Janet Busell, William Hoffman, Malcolm Jay, and Beryl Wallace, and expresses hope for welcoming others. Acknowledgements are given to the United States Information Service, Novosti Information Service, Columbia Pictures, and the Daily Mirror for providing material.

GOODBYE TO THE U.F.Os?

This article, by Edward Harris, discusses the perceived decline in UFO interest following the Condon Report. However, it argues that UFOs cannot be entirely dismissed, citing their continued appearance as proof that they, and Condon, might be wrong. The article references a future article by Malcolm Jay titled "UFO MUTTERINGS" for further explanation, suggesting the "Goodbye to UFOs" theme is premature.

New Reporters

Space Drive welcomes several new reporters: Janet Busell, William Hoffman, Malcolm Jay, and Beryl Wallace. The editor also hopes to welcome Miss G. Wells and Miss Jaqui Proctor.

Acknowledgements

Thanks are extended to the United States Information Service, Novosti Information Service (USSR), Columbia Pictures, and the Daily Mirror for material contributions.

What Are Flying Saucers?

This section, also by Editor Edward Harris, poses the question of what flying saucers are, acknowledging that the answer is unknown. It speculates that alien life forms might have different nervous systems and may avoid contact with humans. The article touches upon mankind's technological advancements, like moon landings, but notes that science still faces incomprehensible powers, possibly related to UFOs.

Newsflash!

A brief report highlights UFOs seen over Kent on July 4, 1970, in a cross and diamond shape formation. The objects were described as glowing and moving at high speed.

Channel Riddle of Lights in the Sky

This article details a mystery in the sky over Kent, puzzling police and experts. Sightings of four glowing objects moving at high speed (approximately 1,500 ft) over the English Channel were reported. The objects were seen flying in a cross formation, which later changed to a diamond shape. Witnesses reported the objects changed color and moved at great speed without sound. The RAF Manston was asked to investigate but could not assist.

Ufology and the Condon Report

The article traces the history of ufology from the Kenneth Arnold sighting. It suggests reasons for the UFO mania, including providing a pastime for bored individuals or financial gain, and emphasizes the reader's duty to critically examine UFO information. The "Condon Grounds Them" section discusses how UFO sightings increased after atomic bomb explosions, speculating about electromagnetic effects. It mentions the US Air Force's investigations (Projects SIGN, GRUDGE, and BLUE BOOK) and notes the Condon Report's conclusion that such phenomena cannot possibly exist, leaving the question open as to whether Dr. Condon is right or wrong.

Landed UFOs

This section briefly touches upon the idea of landed UFOs, suggesting that if they have been landing for centuries, more interest should be taken in establishing evidence, mentioning the group COS-MOS and researcher Norman Oliver.

Japan in Space

This article reports on Japan's successful launch of its first satellite into space on February 11, 1970, using the Lambda 4-S rocket. Developed by the Tokyo University Institute of Space and Aeronautical Science, the rocket cost 118 million Yen. This was Japan's fifth attempt, with four previous failures. Signals from the satellite, named 'Osumi', were reported to be fading by the seventh orbit, but the test was considered successful. The launch took place at the Uchinoura Space Centre. The satellite details include a fourth-stage spherical motor, radio transmitter, battery, thermometer, and accelerometer. The Lambda 4-S series is seen as preparation for a larger Mu rocket launch later in the summer.

Tom Plans to Set Up Bingo on the Moon

This piece from the Daily Mirror reports on Tom Barker's unconventional plan to open a bingo hall on the Moon. He has contacted both American and Russian space agencies. While the Americans sent a booklet about their Apollo project and a letter suggesting colonization possibilities, the Russians have not yet replied. Barker believes people will want familiar entertainment like bingo on lunar holidays.

Apollo 14 Picks Next Landing Point

A photograph shows the selected landing site for the next Apollo moon mission, marked with a white cross. The launch date is uncertain due to setbacks, but it is expected in the new year.

Space Medicine: Breast Cancer Linked to Iodine Deficiency

This section reports on a US investigator's findings from animal experiments suggesting a dietary deficiency of iodine may be a factor in breast cancer development. Dr. Bernard A. Eskin, an assistant professor at the Women's Medical College of Pennsylvania, led the research. Experiments showed that iodine-deficient diets led to abnormal breast tissue growth (dysplasia) in rats, a pre-cancerous change. Estrogen, found in oral contraceptives, had a beneficial effect on rats without iodine deficiencies.

PROBE - Journal of the Aliens Unidentified Research Organisation for Flying Saucers

This section reviews "PROBE," a UFO magazine from Liverpool, England. It is described as covering "THE UNEXPLAINABLE - SPACE NEWS - ESP." The publication details its methods of production (lithography, letterpress, duplicating) and aims to spread production costs as it is a free issue. The editor expresses hope for improved quality in future issues.

UFO Magazine Reviews by David Prockter

• David Prockter reviews several UFO magazines:
• SPACELINK (No. 1): Praised for being "streets ahead" of Flying Saucer Review, with easier-to-read material, but noted for using too many "snippets" and lacking detail.
• COS-MOS (No. 2): Highly regarded, with content "beyond reproach" and increasing page counts. Norman Oliver is commended for his work.
• SAUCER NEWS (No. 3): Edited by Gray Barker, it is considered a leading American UFO magazine by many. However, Prockter finds it "lavishly printed, gloriously illustrated and full of nothing but cheap plastic sensationalism."

UFO Views by the Ordinary Folk

What I Think About UFOs by Mary Morgan: Mary Morgan, a member of ISTRG from Warwickshire, states she has never seen a flying saucer but would not be afraid if she did. She believes she would not report it to the police and would simply accept what she saw. She is skeptical until she sees one herself.

Strange Communique from Richard Shaver: This section includes a message from Richard Shaver, author of "The Inner Earth Mystery," urging readers not to miss "UFO NEWS." He describes it as a publication that "DOES RESEARCH" and provides "SOLID conclusions." Details for obtaining UFO NEWS are provided.

Space-Drive's Top Ten Best UFO Publications (August '70)

This poll, based on reader comments, ranks UFO publications:
1. FLYING SAUCER REVIEW
2. SPACELINK
3. SAUCER NEWS
4. SAUCERS SPACE AND SCIENCE
5. SPACEFLIGHT (British Interplanetary Society)
6. UFO NACHRICHTEN (Germany)
7. COS-MOS
8. INTERPLANETARY NEWS
9. SPACE-DRIVE
10. PHENOMENES SPATAUX (France)

The BUFORAS RESEARCH BULLETIN is recommended for evaluation and assessment.

The Space Tekite Mystery

This article explores the theory that tektites, small glassy objects found worldwide, originated from the moon. Dr. Dean R. Chapman of the US space agency's Ames Research Center suggests that tektite showers hit Earth at least three times, with the most recent major shower occurring about 700,000 years ago when an asteroid struck the moon, forming the crater Tycho. Lunar debris, including molten rock droplets, was ejected into space and eventually fell to Earth, particularly over Australasia. The article notes that tektites are chemically similar and appear to be the product of a single event. Other showers are believed to have occurred 15 and 35 million years ago, with impact centers in Czechoslovakia and the United States. Dr. Chapman's work may shed light on the moon's history and allow dating of lunar surface features.

Space Exploration in the 1970s

This section outlines the emerging plans for US space exploration in the 1970s, which differ from the 1960s focus on the moon landing. NASA plans emphasize a "balanced programme," including continued moon landings with increasing sophistication to study the solar system and universe, and explore practical uses for the moon. There is also a focus on developing services like weather observation, communication, navigation, and "earth resources services" (e.g., agricultural monitoring, fish distribution, mineral deposit detection). Experiments with automated spacecraft for deep space observation are planned. A key goal for the 1970s is making space travel simpler, safer, and less expensive, with the aim of enabling non-astronauts, such as research scientists, to travel in space, and potentially anyone by the end of the century. This is contingent on the development of a reusable "space shuttle" vehicle.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing debate and public interest in UFOs, the advancements and future plans for space exploration, and scientific discoveries. The editorial stance, as expressed by the editor, is one of seeking a balanced approach to content, acknowledging the importance of both scientific and UFO-related topics, while also being critical and encouraging of research and well-founded conclusions. There's a clear indication that despite the Condon Report, the editor believes the UFO phenomenon warrants continued attention and investigation.

Title: Space-Drive
Issue: Summer 1970
Volume: 13
Publisher: Space-Drive
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of Space-Drive magazine delves into the rapidly advancing world of space exploration and the burgeoning interest in Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) during the late 1960s and early 1970s. It covers significant developments in manned and unmanned space missions, future projections, and a critical look at UFO phenomena.

Manned Spaceflight and Future Missions

The magazine highlights the optimism returning to the manned space program following the successful rescue of the Apollo 13 crew. It discusses the development of a reusable space shuttle, envisioned to resemble a combination of a rocket and a plane, which would significantly reduce the cost of space travel by allowing for multiple flights and landings on conventional runways. The projected timeline for the shuttle's readiness is the late 1970s.

Plans for an "orbital workshop," a prototype space station, are detailed. This 15-ton cylindrical unit, scheduled for launch in 1972, is designed to accommodate a crew of three astronauts for up to a year. Initially, astronauts will reach the workshop using the Apollo spacecraft, with experiments focusing on long-duration stays in weightlessness and scientific observations using a large telescope. The data gathered will inform the design of larger, more durable space stations and bases with potential lifetimes of 10 years and crews of up to 100.

The issue also looks ahead to the 1970s, outlining seven scheduled moon landing flights from Apollo-13 to Apollo-19, aiming to determine the feasibility of moon bases and the future of lunar exploration.

Interplanetary Exploration

Beyond Earth orbit, the magazine explores the exploration of Mars. Following spectacular flybys by unmanned US Mariner spacecraft in the 1960s, two more Mariners were set to orbit Mars in 1971, relaying detailed information. In 1975, US Viking craft were planned to release landing craft to report directly from the Martian surface. The combined experience from these missions, along with moon landings and potential moon bases, could lay the groundwork for a manned journey to Mars in the 1980s.

A particularly exciting prospect for the late 1970s is a unique venture involving two robot craft on a nine-year "grand tour" of the outer planets, utilizing the gravitational influence of planets like Jupiter and Saturn to propel the craft towards Neptune and Pluto. The first of these tours is planned to begin in 1977.

Technological Advancements and Safety

An article discusses the development of a new chemical product called Fluorel, which is highly resistant to flame and temperatures. Stemming from research following the fatal 1967 Apollo spacecraft fire, Fluorel can be applied as a paint or spray to surfaces, offering protection against extreme heat. Its potential applications include safeguarding computer complexes, aircraft cabins, and hospital operating rooms.

UFO Phenomena and Critiques

The magazine features a section on UFO sightings and related news. It includes a list of UFO meetings held in the UK in late 1970 by groups such as Cos-Mos, BUFORA, and CONTACT. There is also a review of various UFO magazines, with the reviewer expressing disappointment with the sensationalism and perceived lack of substance in many American UFO journals, contrasting them with some European publications.

A significant piece is "My Opinion of the Condon Report" by Janet Busell, which strongly criticizes the report's conclusion that UFOs do not exist. Busell argues that the report dismisses too many sightings and suggests government secrecy is involved in downplaying the phenomenon. The author expresses hope that UFOs will eventually be taken more seriously.

Film Review: Marooned

The issue includes a feature on the film "Marooned," described as a serious examination of future space travel, based on extrapolated facts rather than pure science fiction. The film depicts a scenario where a space vehicle carrying three astronauts faces a critical malfunction during a mission to an orbiting space laboratory. The narrative highlights the challenges of a prolonged mission, equipment failures, and the lack of a backup rescue program, emphasizing the human element and the critical decisions made by mission control.

Other News and Features

Brief news items cover the failure of the British rocket Black Arrow to launch a satellite into orbit and a report on the Spacelink Symposium held in London, which aimed to discuss research related to space and UFOs. The magazine also includes an advertisement for Susan Stebbing, a consultant for specialized books.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the advancements and future potential of space exploration, particularly the US space program. There is a clear interest in UFO phenomena, with a critical stance towards official reports that dismiss sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into both scientific space endeavors and unexplained aerial phenomena, encouraging reader participation and the sharing of information. The magazine aims to inform its readers about the latest developments in space technology, scientific discoveries, and the ongoing mystery of UFOs.

Title: Space-Drive International
Issue: Page 21 (referring to page number, not issue number)
Date: September 1970

This issue of Space-Drive International features a collection of articles and reports related to UFOs, space travel, physics, and metaphysical concepts. The cover story, by Johnny N. Edwards, titled "MAN'S LAST CHANCE ?", discusses the depletion of Earth's resources and the potential of space drives for humanity's survival, while also proposing a new theory on the speed of light.

Articles and Reports

"MAN'S LAST CHANCE ?" by Johnny N. Edwards

Edwards argues that humanity is at a crossroads, with Earth running out of resources. He suggests that within thirty years, the primary goal will be survival rather than wealth accumulation. He critiques the idea that the moon is a viable alternative, calling it a vacuum of rock and dust. Edwards challenges the speed of light as the ultimate speed limit, proposing that faster travel is possible. He also questions the theory of relativity, particularly its implications for gravity and mass, and suggests that light speed might be influenced by the density of the medium it travels through, similar to sound. He concludes by stating that if mankind can overcome the 'speed of light barrier,' the stars will be open to them, posing the question of whether humanity will explore space or perish on Earth.

"HYPOTHESES ON UFOS ANATOMY..CONTINUING...." by Norman Gilbert

Gilbert continues his exploration of UFOs, addressing queries about antigravity. He posits that natural law governs antigravity and that the universe operates on a cosmic law of conformity, with planets maintaining their station due to etheric forces. He suggests that a machine could break free of this uniformity by changing its vibration to a higher frequency, thus creating a new force independent of existing universal laws. This machine, he claims, would hover and not be bound by mass. Increasing revolutions would alter the machine's atomic structure and vibration, potentially changing its color and causing it to move in the direction of its spin. He notes that the speed should be around the speed of light, as faster speeds could cause further vibration changes.

Gilbert also discusses the material for flying saucers being available on Earth, emphasizing that the forces contained within are more important than the material itself. He references Mr. Searl, "The Swallow" man, whose saucer principle is similar, involving a slip ring generator and color change. Gilbert hopes to write an article that makes natural law apparent, focusing on a fundamental principle.

"DID I SEE THE MOON ROCK ????????" Report from Malcolm Jay

Malcolm Jay recounts his visit to the South Kensington Museum to see a 'Moon Rock' on display. He describes the exhibit as underwhelming, featuring a photo of Apollo astronauts and a small display case with what appeared to be glass marbles and a few specks of dust, which he was told was the moon rock. He expresses disappointment with the exhibit.

"UFO REPORTED IN STRAFORD LONDON IN 1954"

This section presents a historical report sent by June Harris (formerly June Shepherd) to 'Ted'. The report details a UFO sighting in 1954 that was observed to be changing shape. The author expresses a desire for more information about this incident, wondering if it was a meteorological balloon.

NEWS SNIPS AND IDEAS FROM E.S.C.D.

This section includes a brief thought on a 'weightlessness machine' that could aid the elderly, and a speculative question about the effect of a solar system planet suddenly disappearing or exploding on the gravitational balance of the remaining planets.

"INVADERS OR INVITERS ?" by William Hoffman

Hoffman reflects on the long history of UFO sightings, dating back to Kenneth Arnold coining the term 'Flying Saucers.' He notes that despite decades of study, the mystery deepens, and numerous theories exist. He draws parallels between his interests in weightlifting, bodybuilding, and martial arts (Karate, Kyokushinkai) and the study of UFOs, emphasizing the dedication, hard work, and spiritual or mental effort required to achieve mastery in any field. He highlights that in areas like music, theatre, astronomy, or trades, success comes from consistent effort and willingness to learn.

Other Mentions and Notes

• Spacelink Symposium: Mentioned as an interesting event where researchers met and shared ideas. Bedford UFO Society displayed their electronic detection apparatus.
• Publications: Several UFO publications were on display, including Interplanetary News and NICAP JOURNAL.
• Editorial Notes: The magazine announces that from Issue Number 5, Space-Drive will no longer be free due to duplication costs and will be priced at 4/ each.
• Sunday Mirror Report: A report from August 23, 1970, titled "If the Space Phone Rings - IGNORE IT," is mentioned, suggesting caution regarding signals from distant stars and the possibility of encountering a highly developed, potentially hostile alien race.
• Light Speed and UFOs: The possibility of science slowing down light to see if it becomes solid is discussed. The connection between black light (ultra violet) and some reported UFOs is also noted.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of the unknown, particularly UFOs and space travel, and the intersection of physics, metaphysics, and consciousness. The magazine appears to adopt an open-minded yet critical stance, encouraging theoretical exploration while grounding it in natural laws or scientific inquiry where possible. The editorial stance is one of pushing boundaries of understanding, questioning established scientific paradigms, and encouraging readers to look beyond conventional limitations. The shift to a paid subscription model indicates a commitment to continuing publication despite financial challenges, suggesting a belief in the value of the content provided.