Spacelink 1969 vol 6 no 1

Magazine Overview

SPACELINK, Volume 6, Number 1, July 1969, is an independent magazine specializing in World UFO News and the Flying Saucer Scene, published by Lionel Beer in London. The cover features the title 'SPACELINK' in bold block letters, an image of a red disc-shaped UFO in the sky between two prominent towers (London's 620-foot General Post Office tower and Moscow's Ostankino Television Centre tower), and a central circular graphic composed of various UFO-related images. The cover also lists 'UFO NEWS', 'FLYING SAUCER TOPICS', and 'SPACE NEWS' with prices for different countries, and indicates the volume, issue number, and date.

Contents

The table of contents outlines a diverse range of articles and features. These include a photographic section, editorial commentary, reports on 'Great Fireballs' and recent sightings, a feature review of the Condon Report, and articles on plasma engines, readers' letters, and meetings. Specific topics mentioned are 'SPACELINK UFO Guide', 'COS-MOS aims to Contact', 'Barney Hill dies; Dino Kraspedon etc.', 'UFOs on Radar. Crackling Clouds', and 'Visitors From Outer Space'. The issue also covers 'Flying Saucers Prove Meteorite Anomaly', 'United States UFO Magazines', book reviews, and news items.

Articles and Features

Editorial: Solving the UFO Enigma

Edgar Hatvany, the Associate Editor, writes about the resilience of ufologists and their struggle against public skepticism, particularly in the post-Condon Report era. He criticizes the British news media for often grouping ufologists with 'cranks'. Hatvany highlights the importance of 'men with the inside information' and 'expose writers' but notes that a recent two-week investigation in the SUNDAY EXPRESS revealed nothing new to experienced ufologists. He emphasizes that the amateur often breaks new ground in scientific discovery and calls for amateurs to find the answer to the UFO enigma. He expresses his commitment to organizing an annual 'NATIONAL SKY-WATCH DAY' to deploy scientific equipment and establish communication networks for collecting verifiable data, hoping this effort could solve the mystery of UFO sightings.

UFO Over Madrid

This section clarifies that the UFO sighting over Madrid on September 5, 1968, was likely a meteorological research balloon from Project NIMBUS, launched from France. These balloons, with their tetrahedron shape, reflect sunlight and can appear as brilliant lights. The article notes that despite international coverage, local authorities were unaware of its mundane origin, with the Spanish Air Force even sending up an F-104 jet interceptor. Credit is given to Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos of Circulo de Estudios Sobre Objectos No Identificados.

Project SAINT

Stuart Nixon of NICAP comments on 'Project SAINT', clarifying that it was not a UFO-related program but a study to determine the feasibility of launching anti-satellite devices from space-borne platforms. Geoffrey Falworth, a satellite consultant, explains that 'SAINT' is an acronym for Satellite INTerceptor, a program transferred to the Department of Defense in May 1961 and classified. The project's objectives have largely been met by NASA's manned spacecraft program, making SAINT potentially obsolete. It is distinguished from Project SATELLITE INSPECTOR.

Those Giant Mushrooms

This piece, with details from Ricardo Chiesa of AIDOVNI, Argentina, describes large mushrooms indigenous to Argentina, averaging 30-35 cm in size. They reproduce asexually and sexually, forming colonies that kill grass, creating 'scorched' circles. The article mentions an incident where military personnel reportedly removed and destroyed these mushrooms with flame-throwers, adding an unusual element to the discussion.

SPACELINK UFO GUIDE

NICAP expresses dissatisfaction with some of the drawings and cases presented in a UFO guide, deeming many 'dubious' or 'hoaxes'. Stuart Nixon of NICAP specifically criticizes several illustrations. David Thompson, the Art Editor, defends the guide, explaining that its purpose was to illustrate different UFO types and present cases for comparison, showing an unbiased approach. He acknowledges that some cases might be vulnerable to criticism but states that the guide includes contactee stories and photos for comparison, not necessarily as proof.

WHAT'S NEW? The "HERE AND NOW" Films

This section discusses Frank Stranges' activities in the UFO field and NICAP's past expulsion of him. It mentions Stranges' arrest and conviction for selling fraudulent 'Doctor of Divinity' degrees and his organization's violation of California's Educational Code. The article notes that Stranges hosts the second 'HERE AND NOW' pilot film and clarifies that SPACELINK does not intend to discourage readers from seeing it, as it has its own interest value.

1897 FLAP & CORRECTION

An article on the '1897 FLAP' is acknowledged with thanks to Kenneth Lloyd Larson. A correction is made regarding the publication frequency of ZENITH, a newsletter from the Bristol Branch of Contact (UK), which is published monthly, not quarterly.

Great Fireballs

This article by Janet Gregory details numerous sightings of bright, colored fireballs across Britain in November 1968 and April 1969. While official explanations often cited re-entering satellites like Cosmos 253 or 265, or space debris, witnesses described unusual characteristics such as low altitude, slow movement, and vibrant colors. Some reports mentioned landings and sonic booms. The article includes witness accounts and a map showing the approximate path of a meteorite on April 25, 1969. It also references reports from various newspapers and scientific bodies, including the SUNDAY TIMES and NATURE, discussing fragments and the meteorite's trajectory.

UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS by Robert Chapman

This is a review of a book by Robert Chapman, the science correspondent of the SUNDAY EXPRESS. The book examines evidence from scientists and laymen, reviewing cases like the Dartmoor flying cross, Moigne Downs craft, Warminster sightings, and the Scoriton mystery. It also discusses the origin of UFOs and includes official views from the Ministry of Defence and the Colorado University report. The book is illustrated with photographs and diagrams and published by Arthur Barker Limited.

SATELLITES

This section provides details of satellite re-entries corresponding to the dates of reported fireball sightings. It confirms that Cosmos 253 re-entered on November 20, 1968, and Cosmos 265 on May 1, 1969. Two objects re-entered on May 10, 1969, but Geoffrey Falworth notes that one decayed at a different time and the other would not have produced visible evidence.

LANDINGS?

Reports of alleged landings include a 19-year-old Stephen Lee's claim of a bright green object landing near Bolton on April 25, 1969, which shattered. Another report from Elaine Hodgkinson describes a large buzzing object with lights landing on golf links near Bolton on April 28, 1969. Police searches in the latter case yielded no results.

Glare Over the Channel

A report describes a 'mystery glow' that lit up a wide area around the Channel Islands on March 11, 1969, visible even from Jersey and Portland Bill. The light was described as green or greeny-white and lasted for several seconds. Theories included a meteorite burning up or sabotage. LE MONDE later reported it was caused by a meteorite, noting that while meteorites usually descend silently, they can produce sonic booms, citing examples like the Barwell and Ulster meteorites.

FEATURE REVIEW: The Condon Report

This review by Roger H. Stanway and Anthony R. Pace discusses the 'Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects' directed by Dr. Edward U. Condon. The reviewers acknowledge that the report includes useful information but criticize its approach to dismissing UFO phenomena. They recommend reading it in conjunction with 'UFOs? YES!' by Dr. David Saunders, who was dismissed from the Condon team. The review notes the report's extensive length (965 pages) and its attempt to clarify a 'tangled and confused issue' while maintaining high academic standards. However, critics suggest the study group avoided entanglement, adding to the confusion. The report's conclusions, placed at the beginning, are seen as potentially discouraging for casual readers. The reviewers highlight the report's explanation of conception and interpretation problems and suggest it contains evidence that the UFO phenomenon warrants further study. They also point out the report's criticism of contactee stories and its perfunctory dismissal of well-supported evidence.

FLYING SAUCER SIGHTINGS ARE DISCOUNTED (AMERICAN STUDY)

This section reprints an article from the DAILY TELEGRAPH, likely from December 1955, discussing a U.S. Air Force conclusion that there are no such things as flying saucers, based on an investigation of 5,000 reports. The article mentions the development of a disc-shaped aircraft by Avro Ltd. and the U.S. Air Force. It also touches on the costs of research and the appearance of unusual aircraft. The article notes that the U.S. Air Force concluded that most sightings were balloons, aircraft, or illusions, with only a small percentage remaining unexplained due to insufficient information. The article criticizes the report's dismissal of the extraterrestrial hypothesis based on a single contact case and its examination of physical evidence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently questions official explanations for UFO sightings, particularly those that dismiss phenomena without thorough investigation. SPACELINK advocates for scientific objectivity and encourages detailed study of UFO cases, often highlighting the limitations or biases of official reports like the Condon Report. There is a recurring theme of skepticism towards government secrecy and a belief that the UFO enigma requires further investigation, often driven by amateur researchers. The magazine aims to provide a platform for diverse UFO-related news, sightings, and analyses, encouraging readers to form their own conclusions based on the presented evidence.

SPACELINK, Volume 5, Issue 13, published by TOWER PUBLICATIONS, INC. in October 1969, is a magazine focused on UFOs, space science, and related phenomena. This issue features a review of the Condon Report, discussions on astronomical perspectives of UFOs, and the potential of plasma engines for space travel. It also includes reader letters, club news, and detailed accounts of various UFO sightings.

Condon Report Review

The review of the Condon Report by Roger H Stanway and Anthony R Pace suggests that the scientists required current cases for direct examination, and that their conclusion of finding 'no physical evidence which in itself clearly indicates the existence in the atmosphere of vehicles of extraordinary nature' might be too dismissive. The review notes that a significant percentage of interviewed astronomers had experienced unexplained sightings, but many were hesitant to get involved in UFO research due to adverse publicity, preoccupation with their own scientific problems, and the perceived tenuousness of the data. The report highlights three unidentified sightings by astronauts, including one by McDivitt described as cylindrical-shaped with an antenna-like extension, which could not be accounted for as a conventional space object by NORAD. The reviewers conclude that it is unfair to condemn the study team for failing to find the 'true answer' to a fundamental problem, especially if 'advanced technologies' are involved.

Fireball Lights Sky

This section reports on a blinding blue-white fireball observed on February 8, 1969, across Mexico and the southwestern United States. The event was so bright it turned night into day, causing panic in some Mexican towns. The impact reportedly created a 'tremendous tremor' that shook the ground for hundreds of miles. Astronomers suggested it might have been a meteor that broke up, possibly creating a sonic boom, or a polar-orbiting satellite.

Future of Plasma Engines

Professor Georgi Petrovich discusses the promise of plasma electric engines for space rocketry, noting their successful testing on Vostok and Zond-2 spacecraft for orientation control. He explains that these engines heat plasma with electricity, accelerating it to high speeds using electro-magnetic forces. The 'coldest' plasma has a temperature of over 8,000-10,000°C, and plasma particles can reach speeds of tens to hundreds of kilometers per second, far exceeding chemical fuel engines. Electric power is sourced from solar batteries. Professor Petrovich also highlights the advantage of longer operating periods for electro-jet engines and suggests future rocket systems might combine liquid, nuclear, and plasma engines. The article traces the development of rocket engines in the Soviet Union back to a Leningrad laboratory founded 40 years prior.

Readers Letters

This section features correspondence from readers:

• Sky-Watch Co-operation: Francis Beecheno suggests a more positive approach to international co-operation, proposing Franco-British sky-watches to pool resources and enhance observation capabilities, potentially leading to a European network.
• Arthur Shuttlewood on Patrick Moore: Arthur Shuttlewood expresses disappointment with a BBC2 TV program featuring Patrick Moore, stating that the filming was distorted and Moore's mystified reactions to UFOs were cut out.
• Personal Opinions: A statistic from DAILY MAIL indicates that 17% of MENSA members believe in flying saucers.
• Layout and Printing: Donald Johnson compliments the magazine's layout, particularly the darkened print for the Dorset incident. Norman Hardy suggests justified margins and larger print for better readability, while acknowledging cost concerns. The editor notes that other readers prefer the current format due to cost and artwork limitations.
• Praise for SPACELINK: John Schuessler, Editor of UFO POTPOURRI, praises the magazine for its level-headed and responsible reporting. Miss Pamela Smith from Liverpool, NSW, Australia, considers English UFO magazines, particularly SPACELINK, to be of a higher standard than US publications.
• Request for Information: Michael Taylor is seeking information for a book on UFO witnesses and societies, requesting details on dates, times, and written evidence.
• Local Club News: Fred Gardner reports on the South Herts UFO Investigation Group's successful meetings. Richard Farrow describes the formation of a new UFO society in Torbay for the under-35 age group, offering various activities and aiming to form member societies throughout the Southwest.

UFOs and the Moon

D. Rodway discusses theories linking UFOs with earthquakes and strange red flares emitted from Lunar craters, believed to be gas. Amateur astronomers are urged to watch for these phenomena during the Apollo 10 mission. Rodway personally favors the gas flare theory over UFO involvement but notes peculiar lunar movements. He mentions claims of objects drifting between craters and increasing in size. Astronomers are generally reluctant to discuss UFOs for fear of ridicule, and a reported 'bridge' on the Mare Crisium was dismissed as a mistake. Rodway concludes that the Moon may hold surprises for future lunarnauts.

Contact Section

Norman Oliver explains the formation of COS-MOS, an organization dedicated to recording and reporting all types of contact claims with space-men or saucers, without investigation. He emphasizes that no report, whether physical, mental, telepathic, or mediumistic, should be dismissed. COS-MOS aims to provide a platform for these claims to be judged by others and to facilitate contact. The organization also sets up study groups on various related topics. Oliver stresses that COS-MOS respects those who hold beliefs about saucers, their occupants, and origins, and does not compete with other UFO organizations but seeks to cooperate.

Two London Meetings

This section details two UFO-related meetings in London:

• The "Flying Saucers, Here and Now" Films: On March 6, 1969, an event organized by Peter Scothern featured two American TV pilot films. Approximately 400 people attended. The meeting included hymns, revivalistic propaganda, and discussions on UFOs, referencing biblical prophecies and extraterrestrial beings. The films, one featuring Frank Edwards discussing UFO stories and another hosted by Frank Stranges with guests like Colonel Howard Strand and Brad Steiger, were presented.
• Sir Victor Goddard at Caxton Hall: On May 3, 1969, a CONTACT (UK) meeting featured Air Marshall Sir Victor Goddard. He discussed his aeronautical career, his experience seeing the April 25th fireball, and the lack of evidence for hostile UFO actions. He stated that the Ministry of Defence knows nothing about UFOs and that there is no Defence policy of secrecy. Sir Victor also recounted a strange wartime experience where he saw an aerodrome with men working, which he later found to be derelict.

UFO Guide

This section presents a guide to different types of UFO shapes and sightings, with descriptions and illustrations:

1. Stationary UFO: Described as reddish when stationary and changing color when accelerating. A 1964 sighting over Madras, Oregon, involved multiple UFOs exhibiting this behavior.
2. Disc with Domed Top: Rex Heflin of California took four clear pictures of a silent aerial object that hovered momentarily, causing his two-way radio to go dead.
3. Saucer Shape: Stephen Pratt and his mother witnessed a bright light that moved at slow speed. A photograph developed three saucers.
4. Conical Shape: Mr. Stotter observed a strange craft moving on the M6 motorway, which later disappeared with a noise like escaping air.
5. Elongated Object: Lisbet Mortensen and Jacqueline Wingfield photographed a strange object flying steadily across the sky near Cappoquin, Ireland.
6. Saturn-Shaped UFO: Sighted off the island of Trinidade, this object was dark grey, surrounded by condensation, and sped towards the island at high speed.
7. Craft with Tripod Landing Gear: An aerial view of a craft that landed near Sao Francisco de Sales, Brazil, in 1957. Antonio Villas Boas was abducted by its occupants.
8. Bell-Shaped Object: Observed by two nuclear scientists near Abingdon, Berkshire, with a central dome-like structure.
9. Disc Shape: Mr. Denis Crowe saw a huge disc resting on the sand in Sydney, Australia, which took off with an orange glow.
10. Disc Shape: Steve Michalak of Winnipeg, Canada, encountered two glowing red elliptical-shaped objects near Falcon Lake. One landed, and he touched it, causing his glove to melt.

Sausers, Space and Science

This section includes recommendations for UFO publications and books:

• SAUCERS, SPACE AND SCIENCE: A Canadian publication edited by Gene Duplantier, featuring details of the Canadian UFO scene and international news.
• WARNINGS FROM FLYING FRIENDS: A book by Arthur Shuttlewood, described as a 'Big Book With a Big Message, With Authentic UFO Pictures'.

Personal

This section contains advertisements and requests:

• Alex Dudley: Offers a free gift (magnifying glass) with orders over £5 from his coin collector's catalogue.
• FLYING SAUCER FACT INVESTIGATION SOCIETY: Announces a meeting and lecture in October, featuring guest speakers and slides.
• PARADICE: Offers discounts on flying saucer items, including photos and catalogs.
• COS-MOS: Seeks information from individuals who have experienced contact or landed saucers.
• BUFORA: Offers envelope stickers for publicity.
• FLYING SAUCERS: Advertises Ray Palmer's magazine, highlighting recent articles.
• Editorial Request: The Managing Editor urgently seeks complete sets of ISLE OF WIGHT SPACELINKS.
• WANTED!: Seeks second-hand UFO books, magazines, and journals.
• CONTACT (UK): Announces monthly UFO lecture meetings at Caxton Hall.

Proceedings of the British Parliament

On May 7, 1969, Sir John Langford-Holt asked the Secretary of State for Defence about the report made by two police officers concerning unidentified flying objects at Spelsbury, Oxfordshire. Mr. Reynolds stated that the Ministry of Defence staff found no implications for the air defence of the United Kingdom and therefore took no further action.

Contact Section (Continued)

This section continues the discussion on COS-MOS and contact claims. It addresses the difficulty of verifying contact stories and the varied nature of reported experiences, including mental or telepathic contact and apparent hostility. The organization's aim is to record all claims without judgment and to facilitate study groups on related subjects. Membership is one guinea per annum, with the stipulation of genuine interest in UFOlogy.

Do We Believe Dino Kraspedon After All?

This article discusses conflicting reports about Dino Kraspedon, author of 'MY CONTACT WITH FLYING SAUCERS'. While an extract from FLYING SAUCER REVIEW suggests Kraspedon claimed his book was 'sheer invention' and he was arrested for terrorist activities, another article in SEARCHLIGHT claims a cure for cancer mentioned in his book has been confirmed by American scientists, suggesting Kraspedon received information from a spaceman eleven years prior to scientific discovery.

Strange Happenings in Australia

George Vas and his family claim to have seen three giant purple and yellow spacemen near Childers, Australia. They described a spaceship resembling a Mexican sombrero and the spacemen as blocky with shapeless bodies. This was reportedly Vas's third sighting of spacemen.

Crackling Clouds

On February 3, 1969, hundreds of people in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, reported strange sounds coming from two clouds, described as 'someone rattling cellophane' or 'someone walking on pebbles'. The sounds were possibly caused by the surf reflected from above, according to the U.S. Weather Bureau.

Contact Section

This section reports the death of Barney Hill on February 25, 1969, from a cerebral hemorrhage. Barney and his wife Betty became known for their UFO abduction experience in 1965. The article notes that Mrs. Hill is also ill and their dog Delsey recently died.

Opinion: UFOs on Radar?

J.G. discusses the argument that UFOs must be detectable by radar. He references the theft of a US Air Force Hercules military aircraft, noting that while military radar detected the aircraft, it was only realized what the 'true nature of the flight was' after the 'blip' had disappeared. The author questions whether unidentified sightings on radar have historically been queried closely.

Visitors from Outer Space

This article, reprinted from the monthly Digest SPUTNIK, presents a theory by a Chinese archaeologist based on 716 stone discs found in the Bayan-Kara-Ula Mountains. These discs, dating back 12,000 years, contain hieroglyphs and patterns suggesting spaceships visited Earth. The theory posits that the discs vibrate unusually and contain a large amount of cobalt. Legends of ancient China describe small, yellow-faced men from the clouds, and archaeological findings in the caves include 12,000-year-old skeletons of beings with large craniums and underdeveloped skeletons. The article also mentions Peruvian legends of beings born from celestial eggs and the Tassili frescoes depicting strange figures.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently features reports of UFO sightings from around the world, often with detailed witness accounts and photographic evidence. There is a recurring theme of international cooperation in UFO research, as seen in the call for Franco-British sky-watches. The publication appears to maintain an open-minded but critical stance, reviewing reports like the Condon Report and questioning official explanations, such as radar detection capabilities. The editorial stance seems to favor detailed reporting of sightings and claims, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also promoting UFO societies and research efforts. The magazine also touches upon broader themes of space exploration, potential extraterrestrial contact, and the scientific investigation of anomalous phenomena.

SPACELINK, Issue 21, Volume 7, dated July 1969, is a UK-based publication dedicated to UFOs and related phenomena. This issue's cover highlights a 'HISTORICAL SECTION,' suggesting a focus on past accounts and evidence.

Historical Section: Ancient Artifacts and Legends

The issue begins by exploring ancient evidence of possible extraterrestrial contact. It details the discovery of hundreds of stone discs by William H Cable near Koffiefontein, South Africa, dating back approximately 10,000 years. These discs, found alongside rock engravings and small burial sites, are presented as potential artifacts from an ancient civilization or visitors.

Further historical connections are drawn from cave paintings and rock drawings. The Tassili frescoes in the Sahara are described, featuring a 'great God Ramas' and 'helmeted men' in what appear to be space suits. Similar figures are noted in cave walls in the Val Comonique (Swiss Alps), Australia, and near Fergana and Navoi in Soviet Central Asia. A drawing from the Italian Alps also depicts a 'helmeted man.' These findings are linked to ancient legends, including those of Australia, the Near East, and South/Central America, which speak of gods descending from the sky.

The article draws parallels between these ancient depictions and the concept of 'celestial eggs' from Greek mythology, citing the birth of Castor and Pollux, Helen, and Nemesis from such origins. It speculates that these myths might stem from actual events witnessed by ancient peoples, suggesting that a 'container with a human being in it' might have been observed descending from the sky.

Contemporary UFO Sightings and Research

Beyond historical accounts, the issue touches upon more recent UFO encounters. Henry Ford II, a Ford Executive, recounts seeing a 'round and white' object described as 'like a dish' while traveling at 550 m.p.h. at 40,000 feet. His pilot was hesitant to report it for fear of ridicule.

The 'HISTORICAL SECTION' also includes a report on UFO sightings proving a meteorite anomaly. A new analysis by D. E. Fisher and M. F. Swanson suggests that previous studies may have produced fallacious results due to social effects. They found that stony meteorites (chondrites) were seen falling twice as often in the afternoon as in the morning. This anomaly is compared to UFO sightings, which also show a bias towards afternoon observations, implying that social factors influence reporting times for both phenomena.

UFO Research Initiatives and Awards

The issue highlights the 'Olavo T. Fontes Memorial Fund,' established by APRO to encourage UFO research. The fund will sponsor the Scientific UFO Research Award, with judges including Dr. Thornton Page and Dr. J. Allen Hynek. The award aims to recognize significant contributions to solving the UFO mystery.

Book and Magazine Reviews

A significant portion of SPACELINK is dedicated to reviewing books and magazines related to UFOs. These include:

• IDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS by Robert Loftin: A practical introduction to UFO investigation, covering historical accounts, alleged crashes, and the concept of 'ufobia.'
• UFOS OVER THE AMERICAS by Jim & Coral Lorenzen: A compilation of sighting reports from North and South America in 1967, discussing CIA suppression of UFO information.
• FLYING SAUCERS: AN ANALYSIS OF THE AIR FORCE PROJECT BLUE BOOK SPECIAL REPORT No.14 by Dr. Leon Davidson: An enlarged edition of the Blue Book Special Report, offering commentary on its contents and revealing instances of illogicality.
• SPACE by Patrick Moore: A comprehensive look at man's conceptions of the universe, with a brief mention of flying saucers.
• IS ANYONE THERE? by Dr. Isaac Asimov: A collection of essays, some of which touch upon exobiology and interstellar communication, with a skeptical view on flying saucers.
• ANATOMY OF A PHENOMENON by Jacques Vallee: A scrutiny of flying saucer aspects by an astronomer and mathematician.
• CHALLENGE TO SCIENCE by Jacques and Janine Vallee: Presents evidence of the global nature of UFO manifestation.
• OTHER WORLDS THAN OURS by Cecil Maxwell Cade: Discusses cosmic evolution, space probes, and extraterrestrial life.
• PIECE FOR A JIG SAW by Leonard G. Cramp: A sequel to 'SPACE, GRAVITY AND THE FLYING SAUCER.'
• SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS: The Colorado University Study led by Dr. Edward Condon.
• UFOS? YES!: A paperback offering an inside story behind the Condon Report.
• UNINVITED VISITORS by Ivan T. Sanderson: A biologist's perspective on UFOs.
• Recommended Paperbacks are also listed, including works by Coral Lorenzen, Brad Steiger, Frank Edwards, and Charles Fort.
• General Background Reading includes books on the Bible and flying saucers, official Air Force documents, and studies on mythology.
• Contact Material books by Albert K. Bender, George Adamski, and others are also featured.

Additionally, a 'Magazines For Sale' section lists numerous UFO publications such as FLYING SAUCER REVIEW, FLYING SAUCERS (USA), SPACELINK, and AUSTRALIAN FLYING SAUCER REVIEW, along with their subscription details and available back issues.

Other News and Notes

• Lionel's Litter (Page 28) includes various short news items, such as a child's unusual reaction to hormone cream, a 'baboon-man' in Mozambique, the re-entry of the ECHO 2 balloon satellite, burglars in Peru using nakedness to surprise dogs, an investigation into a frozen 'Neanderthal Man' specimen, and updates on the Loch Ness Monster project.
• Books for Sale (Page 9) provides an extensive list of UFO-related books available for purchase, categorized by subject (e.g., Books by Scientists, Recommended Paperbacks, General Background Reading, Contact Material).
• Reference Section (Pages 3, 7, 10) includes a directory of US publications specializing in UFO information, a calendar of upcoming UFO meetings and conventions, and a list of magazines for sale.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the historical depth of the UFO phenomenon, linking ancient myths and artifacts to modern sightings. There is a clear interest in presenting a wide range of UFO literature, from scientific analyses to contactee accounts. The magazine appears to be a hub for UFO researchers and enthusiasts, providing news, reviews, and resources. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives while also critically reviewing reports and research, as seen in the analysis of the Condon Report and the discussion of social factors influencing UFO reporting.

Title: SPACELINK
Issue: Vol. 6 No. 1
Date: July 1969

This issue of SPACELINK focuses on various UFO sightings and related phenomena from around the globe, alongside a feature on a potential Mars probe spacecraft.

UFO Sightings and Reports

Norway

The magazine presents an enlargement of a Saturn-shaped image, acknowledging SKANDINAVISK UFO INFORMATION for supplying the prints. However, SPACELINK expresses a slight reservation, suggesting that while SUFOI considers it a genuine UFO, it might be a lens flare due to the sun's position. Readers' comments are welcomed, and it's noted that the original photo was in colour. The SUFOI REPORTER is credited for the photo.

California, USA

A report describes a dark September night sighting over California involving a 'Saturn-shaped saucer' with a 'beryl holophote' that transmitted pantographic and seismic data to a 'trans-solar carrier'. The craft allegedly hovered and descended slowly onto a mesa floor, with its bio-cabin illuminated internally. It then alighted on a low butte. The account includes a dramatic description of an appaloosa gelding experiencing terror and becoming mesmerised by a pulsing glow around the craft's flange, before the 'miasmal illusion' dissipates to reveal a 'glowing model' created by the magazine's proof-reader, Charles Elrick.

Australia

Photographed by K. S. McKern at 5 p.m. on May 10, 1968, a 'rocket-like object' was seen rising out of the water off Coogee Beach, New South Wales. The object reportedly rotated 360 degrees, inclined, and then shot off to the north. The photograph was taken with a cheap camera, and the negative has been examined by newspaper photographers who believe 'there is probably something there'. The object has been enlarged many times, and the background is sky. K. S. McKern of A.P.I.C., Australia, is credited.

Argentina

A drawing by Hal Crawford illustrates a UFO that allegedly landed in Argentina on September 22, 1967, at 9:30 p.m. Mrs Catalina Salvarezza de Calamante and two field workers sighted a sphere-shaped object with four antennae that lit up the surrounding land. Witnesses saw two orange lights in the middle of the object, and a strong sulphur smell was noticed. A transistor radio stopped playing when in the vicinity of the object. Investigators found evidence of great heat and several burnt areas where the object had settled. The Argentine Army has not released information on their search for radioactivity. Research credit is given to Guillermo Aldunati of A.O.A. International, Argentina, and the drawing is reproduced from UFO ANALYSIS REPORT with permission from the International UFO Bureau.

Spacecraft Technology

Mars Probe

The issue features a prototype spacecraft designed for potential landing on Mars, prepared for testing at Martin Marietta's space simulation laboratory in Colorado. This capsule, named 'Specs', is part of the Voyager Programme and is intended to carry an instrumented laboratory to search for life forms and gather information on the Martian surface. The two portholes are described as bio-vents to maintain a sterile atmosphere and avoid pressure differentials. The exterior is covered by a thermal blanket for insulation against extreme temperatures.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently reports on UFO sightings, presenting photographic evidence and witness accounts from various global locations. There's a cautious approach to some photographic evidence, with suggestions of possible misinterpretations like lens flares, while also acknowledging the potential for genuine phenomena. The inclusion of a Mars Probe feature suggests an interest in both terrestrial and extraterrestrial exploration and technology. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, encouraging reader participation and research.