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Recently declassified documents from the government shed new light on “UFO” sightings reported during NASA’s Apollo missions. These revelations are adding fresh evidence to counter long-standing conspiracy theories that suggest the Moon landings were fabricated.
For decades, conspiracy theorists have argued that NASA staged the Apollo 11 moon landing on July 20, 1969, as well as the missions that followed, often claiming these historic events were shot in a studio to ensure victory in the Space Race.
The newly unveiled files present a wealth of new information, offering additional context and access to previously unpublished materials from the missions, which include astronaut transcripts and archival photographs.
Among the intriguing details, astronauts reported witnessing flashes of light, drifting particles, and unidentified distant objects as they journeyed to and from the Moon.
Pictured here, astronaut Edwin E. Aldrin Jr., the lunar module pilot, is seen walking near the lunar module during the Apollo 11 extravehicular activity on the Moon on July 20, 1969. (NASA/Getty Images)
In Apollo 17 transcripts, crew members reported seeing “very bright particles or fragments” near the spacecraft and discussed possible explanations, including debris such as ice, paint or components from the Saturn V rocket.
The observations were recorded alongside routine communications with Mission Control, including navigation updates, system checks and maneuver planning.
A photo from the Apollo 17 moon landing that highlights three dots in the sky as seen from the moon’s surface. (Department of War)
The Apollo 11 spacecraft orbits the moon during NASA’s 1969 mission, marking a significant milestone in space exploration. (The Pentagon)
Apollo 12 transcripts include similar accounts, with astronauts describing “particles of light” and later discussing the possibility that they were observing debris illuminated by onboard equipment.
In another Apollo 17 exchange, an astronaut reported seeing a brief flash on the lunar surface near the Grimaldi crater. Mission Control asked the crew to identify the location on a map.
Officials have said the descriptions reflect observations made at the time and do not include conclusions about the nature of the phenomena.
NASA is shifting its focus to build a permanent lunar base as part of its moon exploration program. (Austin DeSisto/NurPhoto)
The documents form part of a broader federal effort to release records related to unidentified anomalous phenomena. Additional materials are expected to be released on a rolling basis.
“Based on the tremendous interest shown, I will be directing the Secretary of War, and other relevant Departments and Agencies, to begin the process of identifying and releasing Government files related to alien and extraterrestrial life, unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), and unidentified flying objects (UFOs), and any and all other information connected to these highly complex, but extremely interesting and important, matters,” President Trump wrote in a Truth Social post Friday. “GOD BLESS AMERICA!”
More UAP files were made available at WAR.GOV/UFO
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