Mystery AtlasVela Meteoroid-Strike Theory
The White House Ruina panel's 1980 conclusion that the Vela satellite's double flash was more likely caused by a small meteoroid or piece of space debris striking its ageing optical sensor rather than a nuclear explosion; later disputed by a 2017-2018 reanalysis of the data.
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Related Mysteries
- 1979 Vela Incident22 September 1979
Vela Meteoroid-Strike Theory attempts to explain 1979 Vela Incident — The White House's official 1980 position; disputed by later reanalysis.
Theories & Explanations
Vela Meteoroid-Strike Theory contradicts Vela Nuclear-Test Theory.
Documents & Sources
Vela Meteoroid-Strike Theory contradicts Wright & De Geer Vela Reanalysis (2017-2018) — 2017-2018 reanalysis argued the meteoroid explanation does not adequately account for the specific optical signature recorded.