NASA-UAP-D030 — STS-80 Unidentified Object Image 1, 1996
The dossier examines images captured during the STS-80 mission showing an unidentified object in low-Earth orbit, focusing on the first image where the object is near the Earth's limb. The material is significant as it documents a potential UAP event during a NASA mission, contributing to ongoing discussions about unidentified objects in space. The images provide a visual basis for further analysis.
- File
- Image · Release 04
- Date
- Nov 19–Dec 7, 1996
- Location
- Low-Earth Orbit
- Agency
- NASA
Probed Assessment
The dossier examines images captured during the STS-80 mission showing an unidentified object in low-Earth orbit, focusing on the first image where the object is near the Earth's limb.
Key takeaways
- During the STS-80 mission, astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia captured images of an unidentified object in low-Earth orbit.
- The first image in the series prominently features the object near the center of the frame, positioned to the right of the Earth's limb.
- The timeframe for these observations is between November 19 and December 7, 1996, aligning with the STS-80 mission dates.
Why it matters
The material is significant as it documents a potential UAP event during a NASA mission, contributing to ongoing discussions about unidentified objects in space. The images provide a visual basis for further analysis.
Corroboration
The claims are based on observed data from the STS-80 mission, but lack additional independent sources or corroborating documents. The evidence rests solely on the images captured by the astronauts.
Open questions
- • What additional data or context is available from the STS-80 mission logs regarding these images?
- • Are there any official NASA analyses or statements regarding the unidentified object in these images?
- • Have similar objects been observed in other NASA missions or by other space agencies?
- • What technical details about the camera and conditions during the image capture are available?
- • Is there any follow-up research or investigation planned or underway regarding these images?
Probed separates this editorial assessment from the source claims below. It summarizes what the released artifact supports; it is not independent verification.
Official Description from War.gov
During STS-80, between November 19 and December 7, 1996, astronauts aboard Space Shuttle Columbia captured a series of three images of an unidentified object in low-Earth orbit. In the first photograph, the object is visible near the center of the frame, to the right of the limb of the Earth.
Preserved verbatim as source metadata. This wording is separate from Probed’s file-specific description and assessment.
File Context
Related entities
Tracker findings
First STS-80 image places the object beside Earth's limb
NASA's official description says the unidentified object is near the center of the first photograph, to the right of Earth's limb.
Release provenance
- Release
- Release 04
- Official ID
- release-04-file-008-nasa-uap-d030-sts-80-unidentified-object-image-1-1996
- Cleared
- Jul 10, 2026
Sighting Context
Stored occurrence and enrichment data for this released artifact. Missing or regional data stays explicit rather than being inferred.
Shape not classified
No grounded form data
Observation profile
Recorded occurrence details
- Occurrence
- Low-Earth Orbit · Nov 19–Dec 7, 1996
- Location
- Low-Earth Orbit
- Classification
- Not classified
Environmental, lunar, orbital, satellite, airport, and nearby-infrastructure context loads when this section approaches the viewport.
Referenced Timeline
STS-80 Mission
Astronauts aboard Space Shuttle Columbia captured images of an unidentified object in low-Earth orbit.
Source Claims
Claims are attributed to the released source and remain distinct from Probed’s assessment and tracker findings.
During STS-80, astronauts aboard Space Shuttle Columbia captured a series of three images of an unidentified object in low-Earth orbit.
During STS-80, between November 19 and December 7, 1996, astronauts aboard Space Shuttle Columbia captured a series of three images of an unidentified object in low-Earth orbit.
In the first photograph, the object is visible near the center of the frame, to the right of the limb of the Earth.
In the first photograph, the object is visible near the center of the frame, to the right of the limb of the Earth.
Source Material & Evidence
Research Map
Lines appear only when two entities share a row-level source claim or dated timeline event. Unconnected nodes remain visible without implying a relationship.