1996 · Low Earth orbit, Space Shuttle Columbia
STS-80's unidentified object
WhenNovember – December 1996
WhereLow Earth orbit, Space Shuttle Columbia
Backing2 independent
Evidenceofficial records, sensor data
During Columbia's longest-ever mission, the crew photographed an unidentified object three times. It appears beside the Earth's limb, then crosses on a path between the shuttle and the planet. NASA kept the frames; war.gov released all three in 2026 as 'unidentified object' images.
Evidence, in date order (2)
- 1996STS-80 videosensor dataseparate video objects analysed by Carlotto STS-80 video objects
- 2026NASA / war.govofficialthree photographs released as 'unidentified object' images war.gov: STS-80 unidentified object, image 1
How plausible · High
The government released three photographs from Columbia as unidentified, with separate mission video.
- ●●Access Crew cameras.
- ●●No gain sought Official.
- ●●Restraint Released as unidentified.
- ●●Character record NASA.
- ●●Checkable details check out Released.
- ●●Physical traces or official reaction Photos and video.
Plausibility weighs how well an account fits where secrecy hides the documents by design, so missing records never count against it. Strength measures what is documented. Assessed 2026-10-23.
On the record
- Three NASA photographs from STS-80, released on war.gov.
Claims
The object was under control, crossing between Columbia and the Earth.speculationSourced, unconfirmedbelievers
war.gov files on this case (3)
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