Ufologie Contact - Series Nouvelle - No 04 - juil 1980

Magazine Overview

Title: UFOLOGIE CONTACT
Issue: N°4, Nouvelle Série
Date: July 1980
Publisher: SPEPSE
Price: 5 F.

This issue of UFOLOGIE CONTACT is a quarterly bulletin dedicated to information, study, and research in ufology, produced voluntarily by members and correspondents of SPIISE. It also serves as a platform for reflections, messages, and announcements.

Contents

UFOLOGIE CONTACT & UFOLOGIE CONTACT SPECIAL

The bulletin explains that UFOLOGIE CONTACT is an information bulletin for study and research, created voluntarily by SPIISE members and correspondents, open to all who wish to share thoughts, messages, and announcements. UFOLOGIE CONTACT SPECIAL is a supplement that highlights significant technical, scientific, or ufological events and characterizes the progress of work and studies by private researchers.

Subscription Information

Subscription details are provided for both UFOLOGIE CONTACT (4 issues per year, 15.00 F) and UFOLOGIE CONTACT SPECIAL (3 issues per year, 15.00 F). Subscriptions begin on January 1st of the current year.

Editorial and Administration

The Director of Publication is R. BONNAVENTURE. The editorial committee includes M. MONNERIE, J. SCORNAUX, and Th. PINVIDIC. The ISSN number is not provided. The publication is printed and edited by SPEPSE.

General Information

Articles published in the bulletin engage only their authors. A specimen issue can be sent upon request. Letters to the editor must include a stamp for a response. Associations and other publications are invited to send their materials for exchange.

Main Article: The Ariane Launcher

The issue features an extensive series of articles and Q&A sections detailing the Ariane space launcher program. The coverage spans its history, technical aspects, and operational procedures.

History of the Program

The Ariane program originated from a need for European coordination in space efforts, spurred by American advancements in the late 1950s. The CECLES (European Centre for the Construction of Space Launchers) was created in 1962, followed by CERS (European Space Research Organisation). Early European launcher attempts like Europa I and II faced significant difficulties, including the explosion of Europa II in 1971. This led to a divergence of opinions, with Germany favoring collaboration with the US and France advocating for an independent European heavy launcher. A compromise was reached in 1972, leading to the creation of the European Space Conference (CSEL) and the decision to develop a heavy launcher, initially designated L 3 S, which evolved into Ariane.

The program's development involved significant industrial participation from ten European countries, with France contributing the largest share. The project aimed to give Europe independence in launching large satellites and to make the launcher economically viable through sales abroad. The first launch, L-01, was scheduled for October 1979, with a campaign lasting 56 working days.

How Ariane Works

Ariane is described as a gigantic engine designed to give a payload the necessary speed to become an artificial satellite. It consists of three stages, consuming approximately 185 tons of propellant in about fifteen minutes. The first stage (L-140) is 18.4 meters high and uses four Viking-5 engines. The second stage (L-33) is 11.5 meters high with a Viking-4 engine. The third stage (H8) is 9.1 meters high and uses an HM7 engine with cryotechnic propellants (liquid oxygen and hydrogen).

Key components include the equipment bay housing the onboard computer for guidance and control, and the fairing (coiffe) that protects the satellite during launch and ascent. The fairing is made of lightweight alloys and is protected against aerodynamic heating by an ablative material.

Launch Procedure

The launch process begins with the assembly of the rocket stages in Europe, followed by transport to French Guiana. The launch campaign involves setting up the stages, integrating the equipment bay, payload, and fairing, and conducting numerous tests. The countdown sequence, starting 27 hours and 30 minutes before ignition, includes filling the tanks with propellants. The launch itself involves igniting the engines and lifting off, with stages separating sequentially as they exhaust their fuel.

Ariane's Capabilities and Future

In its initial configuration, Ariane can launch a maximum payload of 4.5 tons into a low Earth orbit (200 km) or 2.5 tons into a higher orbit (800 km). It is also capable of launching probes or satellites for geostationary transfer orbits. Future versions, Ariane-2, 3, 4, and 5, are planned to increase payload capacity and capabilities, with Ariane-5 potentially enabling the launch of a small space shuttle or a crewed mission for orbital manufacturing.

Materials and Propellants

Ariane's structure is primarily made of aluminum alloys. The propellants used include UDMH (unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine) and N2O4 (nitrogen tetroxide) for the first two stages, and liquid oxygen and hydrogen for the third stage. The issue also touches upon the concept of 'ergols' (propellants) and their role in rocket propulsion.

Separation of Stages and Satellite

Stage separation occurs automatically via explosive charges. The satellite is then separated from the third stage at a specific injection point in space, requiring precise velocity and trajectory to achieve the desired orbit. The separation mechanism uses small thrusters to ensure the satellite moves away from the spent stage.

FAQ Section

The Q&A section addresses various aspects, including the definition of a rocket, the materials used in Ariane's construction, how stages are detached, and the possibility of carrying cosmonauts (currently limited but potentially feasible with future versions).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine strongly promotes European technological independence in space exploration, particularly through the Ariane program. It emphasizes the scientific and technical achievements of the program, positioning it as a crucial step for Europe's future in space. The editorial stance appears to be one of national pride and advocacy for continued investment in indigenous space capabilities, contrasting with reliance on international partners like the United States.

Title: ESPACE INFORMATION
Issue: 17
Date: April 1980
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of ESPACE INFORMATION focuses extensively on the Ariane launch vehicle, detailing its technical capabilities, launch procedures, mission profiles, and its strategic importance for Europe. The magazine explores the political and economic rationale behind the Ariane program, its development stages, and its projected role in the burgeoning commercial space sector.

Ariane: A Political Choice and an Economic Gamble

The article "Ariane : un choix politique et un pari économique" highlights the European decision in the early 1970s to develop its own heavy-lift launch vehicle in response to the growing demand for space applications like telecommunications, remote sensing, and meteorology. The need for independence in space and the desire to capture a share of the international market for satellites and launchers led to the initiation of the Ariane program in July 1973. The political significance is underscored by the fact that space capabilities are intrinsically linked to launch vehicles, and Europe could not rely on Soviet or Chinese launchers. Furthermore, the US initially imposed restrictive conditions on placing satellites on their launchers, reinforcing the need for a European alternative. Economically, the magazine points to the profitability of space exploitation, particularly in telecommunications, and the potential for Europe to offer its own launcher at competitive prices. The article estimates that around fifty Ariane vehicles could be used by 1990, representing 20-25% of the global market, translating into a significant market for European industries.

Ariane's Capabilities and Mission Types

"A quoi servira Ariane?" details the diverse missions Ariane is designed for. It can launch geostationary satellites (minimum 1.7 tonnes in transfer orbit), satellites into low Earth orbit (up to 2.5 tonnes), heliosynchronous orbits (2.5 tonnes), and planetary probes. The magazine distinguishes between the development phase and the operational phase. The development phase involves qualification flights to ensure the rocket's performance and reliability, with the first successful launch (L-01) occurring on December 24, 1979, carrying a test payload. Future development flights (L-02, L-03, L-04) are planned to carry scientific and telecommunications satellites. The operational phase, starting from 1981, will see Ariane launching various satellites, including Intelsat, ECS, Télécom, and scientific missions like Exosat and Marecs.

Launch Sequence and Technical Details

Several articles and diagrams meticulously describe the Ariane launch sequence. "Retrait de la tour de montage" and "Décollage du lanceur" detail the pre-launch preparations, including the filling of cryogenic fuel tanks (liquid hydrogen and oxygen), the countdown, and the ignition of the first stage engines. The rocket lifts off with a thrust of 2500 tonnes. "Mise à feu du 2e étage" describes the separation of the first stage at an altitude of 47 km and the ignition of the second stage. "Ejection de la coiffe" marks the jettisoning of the payload fairing at an altitude of 112 km. The third stage ignition and satellite injection are covered in "Mise à feu du 3e étage" and "Libération du satellite," occurring at around T+4 minutes 52 seconds and T+15 minutes, respectively. The trajectory of the rocket is illustrated, showing the separation of the first, second, and third stages, and the final satellite release.

The calculation of Ariane's acceleration at liftoff is presented, estimating an initial acceleration of 2.14 m/s². The article "Calcul de l'accélération d'Ariane" provides a simplified calculation based on the rocket's mass and thrust, noting that approximations become less accurate as the flight progresses.

Future Developments and Competition

"Ses possibilités" outlines future enhancements for Ariane. Ariane 2 and 3 are planned for 1983 with increased payload capacity. Ariane 4, expected around 1985, aims to further reduce the cost per kilogram in orbit. Ariane 5, envisioned for 1990, will be a more powerful version capable of launching very large payloads and potentially supporting space stations. The possibility of launching multiple satellites simultaneously using a "Sylda" structure is also discussed. The magazine also addresses the competition with the US Space Shuttle, noting their different design philosophies and target missions. While the Shuttle is designed for reusable human spaceflight and heavy payloads in low Earth orbit, Ariane is optimized for launching satellites, particularly geostationary ones, at a potentially lower cost for certain missions.

Mythological References and Program Costs

The section "Un peu de mythologie" explains the origins of the names Ariane, Minos, and Hermès, linking them to Greek mythology and their relevance to space projects. The cost of the Ariane program is also discussed, with initial estimates from 1973 and updated figures indicating that the development phase remained within budget. The projected price for an Ariane 1 launch is estimated between 150 and 175 million francs.

Incidents and Reliability

A question-and-answer section addresses a launch delay due to a faulty sensor, emphasizing the inherent complexities and potential for minor issues to cause significant setbacks in rocket launches. The article "Coût du programme et des lancements" reiterates the cost aspects and the ongoing efforts to ensure reliability.

Unidentified Observation

A separate article, "OBSERVATION NOCTURNE DANS LA SARTHE," details an investigation into a short, unidentified aerial observation. The report concludes that the case remains a non-identified phenomenon due to the limited data and the time elapsed since the event, respecting the "SPEPSE" spirit of rigorous investigation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the strategic importance of Ariane for European technological independence and economic competitiveness in the space sector. There is a clear focus on the technical achievements, the phased development of the rocket, and its future potential. The editorial stance is one of informed reporting, presenting technical details, economic analyses, and future projections with a balanced perspective, acknowledging both the successes and the inherent challenges of space launch technology. The inclusion of mythological references adds a cultural dimension to the technical subject matter. The magazine also demonstrates a commitment to thorough investigation, as seen in the report on the unidentified observation.

This document, titled "LE DOSSIER," is a report detailing a nocturnal UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon) sighting that occurred east of Le Mans, in the Sarthe department of France, around 2 AM on December 11, 1977. The primary witness is identified as Monsieur Thierry DRONNE.

The report is an investigation conducted by the "Groupe de Recherches Cosmographiques 72000 LE MANS." It is structured into eight sections:

1. Résumé de l'observation (Summary of the observation)
2. Transcription de l'enregistrement (Transcription of the recording)
3. Rappels des principaux facteurs de l'observation (Recap of the main factors of the observation)
4. Estimation de la taille du phénomène (Estimation of the phenomenon's size)
5. Conditions météorologiques, renseignements météo Le Mans (Meteorological conditions, weather information for Le Mans)
6. Remarques relatives au témoin (Remarks concerning the witness)
7. Remarques relatives à l'enquête (Remarks concerning the investigation)
8. Annexe photographique (Photographic appendix - not included in the provided scan)

Summary of the Observation

The witness, Thierry DRONNE, was riding his moped between Yvré l'Evêque and Champagné when he observed an object approximately 500 meters away. Initially, he thought it was a car due to its red color, similar to a car's taillight. The object was stationary, close to the ground, in a field near a farm. As he approached to about 200 meters, he realized it was much larger than a car. He described its shape as triangular, comparing it also to a cone, with a base estimated between 10 and 15 meters. The color was red, more intense at the angles, and it was enveloped in a limited white mist or fog. He observed it for about 30 to 40 seconds without hearing any noise or experiencing any other sensation. Feeling somewhat impressed and perhaps a little scared, he decided to quickly continue his journey home.

Transcription of the Recording

In this section, the witness elaborates on his experience. He recounts being on his moped around 2 AM after leaving Le Mans, heading towards Champagné. He first noticed a red light, which he thought was a car. Upon closer inspection, he realized it was much larger and had a conical shape with large dimensions, colored red and surrounded by a white mist. He approached to about 200 meters but felt fear and did not go closer. He confirmed his moped's engine was running but he had stopped. He described the object's size as impressive, comparable to a house, with a base of 10 to 15 meters. He felt fear but no other sensation. He noted that the object's red light was not uniform, with the cone's corners being brighter than the center. The white mist around it was limited and did not illuminate the surrounding landscape. He confirmed the mist followed the cone's shape and that it was not raining, but it was dark with no visible stars.

When asked if he returned to the site, he said he did the next day, intrigued to find traces, but found nothing, not even agricultural material.

Recap of Main Factors

Key details of the observation are summarized:

• Date: December 11, 1977
• Time: 2 to 2:30 AM (legal time), corresponding to 1:30 AM UTC.
• Direction: Magnetic azimuth 5°.
• Color: Red (referencing a diagram and witness sketch).
• Duration: Phase 1 to Phase 2: approximately 10 seconds. Phase 2: 20 to 30 seconds.
• Altitude: Proximity to the ground or on the ground.
• Distance: Approximately 400 meters for Phase 1, and 200 meters for Phase 2.
• Dimensions: To be studied.
• Weather: (Referenced in the meteorological section).

Estimation of the Phenomenon's Size

Two sets of data were used to estimate the object's size:

• First Audition (May 5, 1979):
• Distance object-witness: 189 m (measured with a knotted rope).
• Estimated height: 6 m.
• Estimated base length: 10 to 15 m.
• Apparent diameter (estimated by witness at arm's length): 6.5 cm (measured 64 cm).
• Calculation based on these data yielded an estimated length of approximately 19 meters.

• Second Audition (May 12, 1979):
• Distance object-witness: 197 m (measured with a surveyor's decameter).
• Estimated length (simulated position): 11.8 m.
• Apparent height (at arm's length): 2.2 cm.
• Calculated height: approximately 6.77 m.

Meteorological Conditions

Weather data for Le Mans from December 10, 1977 (10 PM) to December 11, 1977 (1 AM and 7 AM) indicated:

• General conditions: Overcast and rainy, with 6 to 8 mm of rain recorded by 7 AM on the 11th.
• Pressure: 1006.3 mb at 10 PM and 1 hour later.
• Temperature: Maximum 11°C.
• Wind: 4 to 6 m/s, from the southeast.
• Visibility: 3 km at night.
• Nebulosity: 8/8.

Given the phenomenon's proximity to the ground, an astronomical study was deemed unnecessary.

Remarks Concerning the Witness

• Name: DRONNE
• First Name: Thierry
• Date of Birth: September 23, 1959
• Place of Birth: Champagné (Sarthe)
• Current Situation: Student in electro-radiology at Tours.
• Education: Bac D and 3rd year electro-radiology.
• Marital Status: Single.
• Observations:
• Physical and Psychological Health: Normal visual acuity (10/10), slight speech difficulty, no significant illnesses, past surgery at 10 months for needle extraction. No consultations for nervous or psychological disorders.
• Leisure: No particular passion; dedicates time to studies, outings, and distractions with friends.

Remarks Concerning the Investigation

• Prior to the observation: The witness was in normal physical condition, not fatigued, and had not consumed alcohol or medication.
• After the observation: The witness was frightened and took a different route home to avoid the object's location. He experienced intense nervousness, waking his family to share his observation. His father noted he was very excited, which was unusual for his typically calm temperament. He also experienced insomnia and nightmares for some time afterward, with small objects similar to the observed phenomenon rapidly approaching him.
• Other research: Investigators visited people in the vicinity. Monsieur RACINE, the farmer whose field the object was in, noticed nothing unusual (he was asleep at the time of the observation). Other individuals saw nothing.
• Site of Observation: Photos and a plan were made. The area was under highway construction, so some existing features like poles and signs were not present at the time of the observation.
• Photos and Sketches: Photos were taken by the witness, centered on the supposed location. Calques were also made by the witness, though he was slightly hindered by construction elements. Sketches of the object could not be accurately reproduced with correct colors.

Investigators' Opinion

The investigators acknowledged the difficulty of assessing witness reliability, especially with a single witness. However, they concluded that Monsieur Thierry DRONNÉ appeared to be a psychologically normal individual with a calm and reflective attitude. They found it highly unlikely that he would have fabricated the observation. They visited him multiple times for additional information and simulations, finding him patient and cooperative. No contradictions were found in his statements. Based on the study of the phenomenon's size estimation and other data, they admitted the appearance of a volume.

• Participants in the Investigation:
• Monsieur BELLIER (Dominique)
• Monsieur CUBEAU (Patrice)
• Monsieur LAFFORGUE (Michel)
• Monsieur LUX (Pierre)
• Monsieur SCHMID (Jean-Claude)

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The document focuses on a single, detailed UAP sighting. The recurring theme is the meticulous investigation of a witness account, aiming to establish the credibility of the witness and the factual details of the event. The editorial stance appears to be objective and analytical, presenting the witness's testimony, the investigative process, and the conclusions drawn by the researchers. There is an emphasis on scientific methodology, including measurements, estimations, and consideration of environmental factors. The investigators' final opinion leans towards accepting the witness's account as genuine, given his psychological profile and the lack of contradictions.

This document, titled "BULLETINS ou REVUES," is a listing of periodicals received by SPEPSE (Société Parisienne d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux et Etranges) as of August 1, 1980. It functions as a catalog of publications related to ufology, astronomy, cosmology, and other scientific and mysterious topics.

Publications Received

The core of the document is a comprehensive list of bulletins and reviews that SPEPSE receives periodically. Each entry includes the publication's title, a brief description (e.g., bulletin, revue, hebdomadaire), its frequency (trimestrielle, mensuelle, bimestrielle, semestrielle), the publishing organization or group, and its postal address. The publications cover a wide range of subjects:

• Ufology-focused publications: AESV, APPROCHE, LES CHRONIQUES DE LA CLEU, ESPACE INFORMATIONS, LFS EXTRA-TERRESTRES, ENIGME, FACETTES, G.U.B. Bulletin, GEPO INFORMATIONS, INFO-OVNI, INFORES PACE, L'INSOLITE, KRUPTOS, LUMIERES DANS LA NUIT, MEANT +, MOSTRA MAGA115, CVNI 43, CV::IFO 34, LPT CVNI, REALIZE CU FICTION, RECHERCHES UFOLOGIQUES, UFCLGILA, UFO BULLITI, UFO-CLEMEC, MAROLLE FOLDE.
• General science and mystery publications: COSMOS CAZINE, CERPI, ESPACE INFORMATIONS, LES CHRONIQUES DE LA CLEU, SCIENES-DIVERS, SCIENCES-CONNEXES.

Several publications are noted as being from Belgium and Switzerland, indicating an international scope.

SPEPSE Organization Details

The document also provides details about SPEPSE itself:

• Nature: A non-profit, apolitical, and non-denominational amateur research organization, declared under French law.
• Aspirations: To develop intellectual faculties through the study of experimental sciences (especially space-related) and to investigate spatial and strange phenomena.
• Headquarters (Siège Social): Domaine de Montval- 6, allée Sisley- 78160- MARLY LE ROI. Telephone: 958.98.09 (after 8 PM).
• Bureau: Lists the President (Q. RICHARD), Secretary (R. BONNAVENTURE), Treasurer (L. DEMEILLIERS), Vice-President (J.P. FRAMBOURG), and two Adjoints (R. KIELWASSER, F. NASSIB).
• Activities: Analysis of current scientific knowledge, research project development, reflection meetings, debates, sky observation vigils, maintaining a documentary fund and library, and publication of a bulletin. SPEPSE operates through two working groups: Section UFO and Section ASTRO.
• Contact Information: Specific contacts are provided for Section UFO (R. BONNAVENTURE) and Section ASTRO (J. LE BRAZ). General inquiries require a written request with a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Library Catalog (Bibliothèque SPEPSE)

A significant portion of the document is a catalog of books in the SPEPSE library as of August 1, 1980. The catalog is organized by subject:

• Astronomie: Includes "L'astronomie populaire" and "Les gouffres du Cosmo S."
• Cosmologie: Features "Nos ancêtres venus du Cosmos," "Cent milliards de mondes habités ?" and "Les Géants venus du ciel."
• Sciences-Divers: Lists titles like "L'esprit cet inconnu," "Le nombre d'or," "La magnétohydrodynamique," and "Le second principe de la science du temps."
• Sciences-Connexes: Contains books on "Les pouvoirs secrets de l'homme," "L'occultisme," "A la recherche de Bridey Murphy," "L'hypnose aux frontières du paranormal," and "Les miracles."
• Ufologie: A substantial section with titles such as "Le procès des soucoupes volante s," "Le nouveau défi des OVNIS," "La nouvelle vague des soucoupes volantes," "Les soucoupes volantes ont attéri," "Le mythe de l'Antéchrist," "J'ai été le cobaye des E.T.," "La grande peur Martienne," "Le nomud gardien," "Le naufrage des E.T.," "The reports on Unidentified flyings objects (Anglais)," "A la recherche des OVNI," "Les OVNI en URSS," and "Présence des Extra-terrestres."
• Divers: Includes "Fantastique ſle de Pâques," "Le livre des maîtres du Monde," "Le livre d'Enoch," "Le livre du mystère," and "Le livre de l'inexplicable."

Each book entry includes the title, edition or collection, and author. Some books are marked with an asterisk (*) indicating special loan conditions.

Visual Elements

The document includes several visual elements:

• Page 1: A map of a rural area with French labels like "NORD," "EMPRISE," "LA BRETELLE," and "TOTALE." It appears to be a topographical or planning map.
• Page 2: A photograph labeled "Photographie du site d'observation" (Photograph of the observation site), with a caption suggesting reference to page 26 for commentary.
• Page 6: A cartoon depicting two alien-like creatures and a UFO. One creature is eating a stack of records labeled "DISQUE 33 4000 ETAT: BON MIAM," while the other holds a package labeled "FRAGILE."
• Page 8: A stylized drawing that resembles the Eiffel Tower within a circular, textured background.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes are clearly ufology, unexplained phenomena, and related scientific and speculative topics. The editorial stance, as presented by SPEPSE's mission statement, is one of serious, amateur research aimed at understanding and investigating these phenomena, encouraging intellectual development, and seeking empirical evidence. The publication of such a detailed list of related literature and the organization's structure suggest a dedicated and systematic approach to the study of the unexplained.