Newly released UFO files from the administration of Donald Trump have brought old NASA astronaut reports of strange space sightings back into focus. The records include mission transcripts and photos, though NASA says most incidents likely involved debris, reflections, or natural phenomena.
Frank Borman’s “Bogey” Report During Gemini 7
One of the most widely discussed incidents in the newly released UFO files comes from the 1965 Gemini 7 mission. During the spacecraft’s second orbit around Earth, astronaut Frank Borman spotted something unusual outside the capsule while passing over the Caribbean region. He calmly radioed mission control and said, “We have a bogey at 10 o’clock high.”
The term “bogey” is commonly used by military pilots to describe an unidentified object or aircraft. Because of that wording, the comment quickly attracted attention and later became linked to UFO discussions. Newly released records include transcripts of the exchange and internal conversations about what the astronauts may have seen while orbiting Earth.
NASA later explained that the object was likely connected to the Titan II rocket stage used during launch or sunlight reflecting off floating debris in space. Even with those explanations, the incident became one of NASA’s best-known UFO-related stories because it involved trained astronauts reporting a mysterious sight during a historic mission.
Apollo Moon Missions Featured In Newly Released UFO Files
The newly released UFO files revisit several unusual incidents reported during NASA’s Apollo moon missions. During these historic flights, astronauts occasionally described seeing strange lights, moving objects, and bright flashes while traveling through space. Because the reports came from highly trained astronauts, they continued attracting public interest for decades.
One of the most notable examples involved the crew of Apollo 11, the mission that first landed humans on the Moon. Astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins reportedly discussed unusual bright objects visible outside their spacecraft during the journey to the Moon.
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According to transcripts included in the files, the astronauts observed objects appearing to move alongside the spacecraft for long periods. NASA later suggested the sightings were likely caused by panels or debris from the Saturn V rocket that separated during launch but continued traveling nearby at similar speeds.
The records also mention astronauts seeing unexplained flashes of light during deep-space travel. Scientists later linked many of these flashes to cosmic rays affecting astronauts’ eyes. Other reports from Apollo 14 and later missions described unusual visual effects, though investigators found no direct evidence of alien spacecraft.
Skylab Encounters And Mysterious Orbital Sightings
Several newly highlighted UFO reports in the released files come from Skylab, America’s first space station launched in the 1970s. Astronauts aboard Skylab spent long periods orbiting Earth, giving them more opportunities to observe unusual events in space. Some reports described glowing objects moving near the station and strange lights visible outside spacecraft windows.
Crew members photographed some of the sightings and later discussed them during debriefings after returning to Earth. The released records include references to mission transcripts, annotated images, and audio discussions connected to those incidents. Because the reports came from astronauts working in orbit, they continued drawing public attention for years.
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NASA investigators later explained that many of the strange objects were likely ice particles, floating debris, or sunlight reflecting off station equipment. In space, even tiny particles can appear bright and unusual because sunlight reflects strongly against the darkness surrounding Earth. Some sightings involving objects that appeared to suddenly change direction were later linked to movement illusions caused by spacecraft traveling at high speeds.
The files also include comments from Jared Isaacman, who supported greater transparency regarding unexplained aerial and space-related incidents. Although no evidence of alien spacecraft was discovered, the Skylab reports remain among NASA’s most discussed unexplained space sightings.
