Space Drive - 1971 No 07

Magazine Overview

Title: SPACE DRIVE
Issue: No. 7
Date: 5 JUN 1971
Publisher: E.S.C.D.
Country: England
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Space Drive, subtitled 'International Magazine', also incorporates 'U.F.O MIRROR No. 3'. The cover prominently features a photograph of astronauts Charles Duke and John Young examining a full-scale model of the Lunar Rover, intended for the Apollo-15 mission in July 1971. The cover also includes a drawing of a flying saucer and the date.

Editorial

The editorial, written by E. Harris, reflects on the challenges of publishing UFO and space magazines. Harris notes that many such publications have folded, and surviving ones often struggle to keep news current due to their infrequent publication schedules. He states that he produces Space Drive as a hobby, at a loss, but is committed to its continuation unless dire circumstances arise. He mentions that their companion magazine, Interplanetary News, operates similarly. Harris encourages readers to contact them with their requirements and provides the temporary address for Space-Drive and UFO MIRROR, published and printed by the amateur club E.S.C.D.

Top UFO Groups Poll

Page 3 presents the results of a poll assessing UFO organizations based on reader comments, public opinion, and frequency of appearance. The poll ranks 'FLYING SAUCER' first, followed by 'COS-MOS', 'SP CILINK', 'Saucer News', 'BUPOLA JOURNAL', 'Interplanetary News', 'SAUGER SPACE AND SCIENCE', 'Space-Drive', 'Phenomenos Spataiux', and '3tendok'. The magazine also asks readers for their opinions on the most worthwhile UFO groups globally, suggesting that all groups are valuable but need to be placed in order of worthiness based on reader input. It encourages open expression of opinions.

The History of the Interplanetary Space Travel Research Group (I.S.T.R.G) - United Kingdom

Pages 4 through 8 are dedicated to a detailed history of the I.S.T.R.G., written by the editor, Edward Harris. The narrative begins with the formation of the group in May 1957 by a 16-year-old boy (Harris) keen on astronomy and Kenneth Horsnell, who was keen on rockets. Initially named the Interplanetary Space Travel Research (ISTR), the group aimed to explore space travel. They were inspired by the International Geophysical Year of 1957 and conducted a 'SUN OBSERVATION YEAR', took solargraphs, and attempted to launch rockets using common chemicals, with some success in horizontal flight. A notable early incident involved a near-launch of a live lizard into space, which was eventually released.

The group evolved, with key members like Robert McCoy and Michael Whyman joining. The magazine 'INTERPLANETARY NEWS' was launched in 1959 to keep the club together. Interest waned by 1961, but the movement was reborn in 1965 with the addition of members like David Andrews, David Procker, and Nigel Grant. The magazine 'INTERPLANETARY NEWS' was revived, initially as a single sheet. The group attempted to become an 'INTERPLANETARY SOCIETY'. A significant event was the UFO sightings in Warminster, which drew attention from the Daily Mirror. The group also engaged with television interviews, though Harris admits they lacked definite aims at the time, being driven by the 'flying saucer bug'.

In 1968, Mike Parry joined, described as a 'miracle worker' who brought much-needed knowledge, including German language skills, enabling exchanges with 'UFO NACHRICHTEN'. Parry was elected President, and the group reformed as ISTRG. A convention at Woburn Abbey set them back, leading to the recruitment of Frank Hyde as a publicity officer. Hyde proposed a project to benefit handicapped children, but this led to the formation of a new group, N.I.S.T.R.A. The article concludes with Harris posing the question: "WAS THE LONG HARD STRUGGLE. THE TEARS AND THE BITTERNESS -WORTH IT!!!?" He emphasizes the importance of unity among space and UFO clubs and credits Mike Parry for uniting the world in international cooperation.

Apollo 15 News

This section, sourced from the US Information Service, provides details about the Lunar Rover for the Apollo 15 mission. It describes the rover as a specialized spacecraft designed for the vacuum, temperature variations, and terrain of the moon. It highlights its dual battery systems, steering capabilities (front and rear wheels), and the operational similarity to an aircraft stick for control. The article also details how the rover will be stowed in the lunar module's bay and unfolded upon arrival on the moon.

Unpacking Apollo 15's Lunar Rover

This section visually demonstrates the procedure for unpacking the Lunar Rover from its stowed position on the lunar module, using diagrams and brief text descriptions.

And Now...The Most Useless Watch...On Earth!

This short piece introduces a 'lunar watch' developed by Dr. K. Franklin, an American astronomer. The watch is designed to tell time on the Moon, which has a day that lasts approximately 29 Earth days. The system uses terms like 'lunes', 'lunours', 'deci-lunours', and 'centi-lunours' to divide the lunar day, contrasting it with Earth's timekeeping based on a 24-hour rotation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine exhibits a strong interest in both space exploration, particularly the Apollo program, and UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be that of dedicated enthusiasts publishing for the love of the subject, acknowledging the financial difficulties and the amateur nature of their operation. There's a clear emphasis on the history and development of space research and UFO investigation groups, with a particular focus on the struggles and achievements of their own organization, ISTRG. The magazine promotes a sense of community among enthusiasts and encourages participation and opinion-sharing. The historical narrative suggests a deep personal investment from the editor in the evolution of these groups.

This issue of "UFO" magazine, published by East London Newspaper, focuses on a new group investigating UFO phenomena. The cover prominently features Roy Lake and the headline 'NEW GROUP IN UFO PROBE,' directing readers to page 14 for the full story. The magazine delves into various aspects of UFOlogy, astronomy, and related scientific discoveries.

New Group in UFO Probe

The lead story introduces Cheryl Dobson, the Lancashire representative for the worldwide Interplanetary Space Travel Research Group (I.S.T.R.G.). Dobson is actively seeking other UFO spotters in Lancashire to compile reports for the group's headquarters in London. She describes her own experience of seeing a radiant bright-red, cigar-shaped object moving silently across the sky for four minutes. Her friend, Judith Clark, also witnessed the event. Dobson expresses a desire to form a local branch of the I.S.T.R.G. and hold meetings, aiming to connect individuals with shared interests in UFOs, space probes, and astronomy. The group publishes a monthly magazine titled 'Interplanetary News.'

UFO Sightings and Historical Context

The magazine includes a section on UFO sightings, detailing an experience from Omemee, Ontario, Canada, in the summer of 1964. A man and his wife heard a high-pitched whining sound over a boathouse, and the following day discovered a large, burnt, circular area on the tin roof. The roof was subsequently removed by unknown individuals. The report originated from 'Saucers Space and Science no.60.'

Dr. Frank E. Strangos contributes an article discussing the history of UFO sightings, noting that the U.S. Air Force defines Unidentified Flying Objects as those not conforming to known aircraft or astronomical bodies. Strangos mentions that more citizens have reported seeing UFOs than ever before, and there are accusations of governmental secrecy. He cites a USAF report indicating over ten thousand UFO reports were received over sixteen years, though no positive evidence of extraterrestrial vehicles was presented. The article traces historical references to aerial phenomena, including the Chinese 'sky boats,' Roman 'Luminous Shields,' and Greek 'Fiery Discs.' It also references ancient drawings from Hunan mountain and Lake Tungting, possibly dating back to 54,000 B.C., depicting beings with large trunks and cylindrical objects in the sky. Another report from Russian astronomer Alexander Kazantsev in 1961 describes discoveries made in the Tassili Plateau in Sahara, showing human beings with strange round heads, dated at 6,000 B.C. The article also references the biblical account of Prophet Ezekiel seeing an unusual object in 593 B.C.

Dr. Strangos is slated to discuss more mysteries in the next issue.

Scientific and Medical Developments

Arthur Shuttlewood's article, 'BIG BANG? STEADY STATE? OR PUSATION?', explores ideas on life and light, referencing a 16-year-old named Ian Williams from Burnley. Williams suggests that vibrations are important phenomena and that all organisms contain either dextro or laevo carbon isomers, which affects polarized light. The article discusses the unexplained degree of order in organisms and the potential connection to the mind or spirit, describing the body as a vortex that can absorb light. A scientific friend notes that while the idea is interesting, it doesn't fully account for light dispersion in cells.

An advertisement announces 'UFO NEWS No. 3' is out now, available from David Prockters & Sons or Comic Cuts Magazine.

Astronomy

Edward Harris's article 'ASTRONOMY' introduces constellations, their naming by Greeks and Romans, and their use as guides. It mentions the 1928 convention that set boundaries for 88 constellations. The article includes a diagram showing how the Plough constellation will appear in the year 100,000 due to stellar movement. It also discusses 'OUR SUN IS GOING OUT!' based on a report by Peter Fairley of ITV, explaining that the sun is a star losing mass, though not in our lifetime. The article notes the varying colors and temperatures of stars, mentioning Rigel in Orion as a red-hued star losing mass rapidly. It concludes that the birth and refueling of stars remain a mystery.

Mystery Planes Revealed?

This section identifies a mystery aircraft seen in Dr. Strangos' book, 'Stranger at the Pentagon,' as a Boeing 707 modified into an AIRBORNE COMMAND POST for America's Airborne Warning and Control System, designed to warn against air attacks. The aircraft is fitted with computers and radar equipment.

Italy Launches American Satellite

Italy is set to launch the first American satellite into orbit, designed by Italian space engineers. The launch, scheduled for mid-December off the coast of Kenya, will deploy a small astronomy satellite equipped with x-ray explorers to detect high-energy x-ray sources in space. The credit is given to the US Information Service.

Medical Science

An article on 'MEDICAL SCIENCE' discusses a new type of anesthetic that keeps patients from feeling pain and awareness of external activity without losing consciousness. Dr. John W. Pender of Palo Alto, California, stated that these 'dissassociative anesthetics,' belonging to the cyclohexylamine chemical family, take effect within a minute with minimal side effects, allowing patients to retain reflexes and breathe unaided. Ketamine is highlighted as a promising drug in this category.

Space Comfort Comes Down to Earth

A fire-resistant, fiberglass cushion filler developed for the US space program is now used in consumer products. Originally designed for couches in a vacuum chamber for research pilots during 14-day tests for the Apollo moon landings, it is now used in mattresses, furniture, and seats on fire engines, ships, and planes.

Did Human Life on Earth Come From Space?

NASA announced a significant clue regarding extraterrestrial chemical evolution. Scientists discovered amino acids, the building blocks of life, in a meteorite that fell in Australia. This is the first positive identification of amino acids originating outside Earth. NASA stated that precise identification methods revealed the amino acids were of chemical rather than biological origin, noting that Earth's biological amino acids are predominantly left-handed, while those found in the meteorite were an almost equal mixture of both left and right-handed structures.

Water Can Be Made From Moon Soil

American Space Agency scientists have developed a method to produce oxygen and water from moon soil. This process could support men on the moon and serve as a refueling base for spaceships. The method involves heating lunar soil to between 600 and 1,300 degrees Centigrade using a mirror to focus the sun's rays, then introducing hydrogen to form steam, which is cooled into water. Oxygen is obtained by passing steam through an electrolysis cell. The process uses ilmenite, an iron-titanium oxide abundant in lunar soil. While artificial lunar soil was used for testing, the scientists have applied for a patent on their separation apparatus.

The next issue of 'Space-Drive' will feature more on US and USSR space programs and astronomy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "UFO" magazine demonstrates a strong interest in unexplained phenomena, historical accounts of aerial sightings, and scientific advancements related to space exploration and medicine. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various theories and findings without necessarily endorsing them, while also highlighting potential government secrecy and the need for further investigation into UFOs. The inclusion of astronomical news and medical breakthroughs suggests a broader scope beyond just UFOs, encompassing scientific progress and the mysteries of the universe.

This document is a single page of advertisements from a magazine, likely focused on UFOs and related topics, given the prominent ads for 'UFO CAR STICKERS' and 'INTERPLANETARY NEWS'. The page is titled 'ADVERTS'. The exact issue date and magazine title are not explicitly stated, but the content suggests a publication from the latter half of the 20th century.

Advertisements

Friend Finder Service

An advertisement offers a 'FRIEND FINDER' service for finding life partners, penfriends, or marriage partners. Details can be obtained by sending a stamped, addressed envelope to Friend Finder Service, C/O box no.1, Space-Drive.

UFO Car Stickers

This advertisement promotes 'Beautiful 5 Colour vinyl Car Stickers 4"x 5" with flourescent orange Balls'. The stickers are made from an authentic photograph and are available via world free airmailing within 24 hours. The cost is $1.00 (or equivalent) and can be sent to PLASTICS DEVELOPMENT, Box 31, 1211 CHATELAINE, Switzerland. Each sticker reads 'UFOs? Yes!'

MINI BOOKS OUT SOON!

This section announces the upcoming release of 'SUPER MINI BOOKS', described as small, pocket-sized books containing short, entertaining stories. The advertisement states that these pocket companions are still being printed and that orders received now will receive prompt attention. It mentions that 5 titles are initially available and other subjects will follow. An order form is provided, requesting 13 new pence (2/7) for each book, to be sent to box 2 Space-Drive, along with name and address.

INTERPLANETARY NEWS

This advertisement promotes 'INTERPLANETARY NEWS' as a monthly publication. It promises to deliver 'the rest of the news' and contains news, views, photos, and jokes on UFOs and current space program news. Subscriptions or inquiries can be directed to Mike Parry, 149, Stewart Road, Leyton, London, England, E.15, with a cost of 3/- (shillings).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The advertisements collectively suggest a strong interest in UFOs, space exploration, and alternative forms of connection (penfriends, marriage). The presence of 'Interplanetary News' and 'UFO Car Stickers' indicates a focus on the paranormal and extraterrestrial phenomena. The 'Mini Books' section, while not directly UFO-related, aligns with a readership interested in niche or specialized content. The overall tone of the advertisements is direct and informational, aimed at individuals seeking specific products or services within these interest areas.