Vandenberg Rocket

Event Summary

The Vandenberg Rocket incident on September 15, 1964, stands as one of the most intriguing UFO cases involving military personnel. The event occurred during a routine missile test at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a key site for testing intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) during the Cold War.

Initial Setup and Test Launch
On that day, an Atlas missile was scheduled for a test launch. The missile was equipped with a dummy warhead, and its flight was to be meticulously recorded for analysis. Lieutenant Robert (Bob) Jacobs, who was responsible for filming the test, set up a high-powered telescopic camera miles away from the launch site to capture the missile’s trajectory in detail.

As the countdown concluded, the missile roared to life and ascended into the sky. Everything proceeded according to plan. The missile's powerful engines propelled it upward, and its flight path appeared stable as it soared towards its target in the Pacific Ocean.

The Unexpected UFO Encounter
At high altitude, as the missile entered its reentry phase, an unexpected object entered the camera’s frame. Described as a disc-shaped craft with a raised dome in the center, the UFO had a metallic sheen that reflected the sunlight. It moved with remarkable speed and agility, approaching the missile in what appeared to be a deliberate manner.

The craft emitted four distinct beams of light aimed directly at the missile. These beams of light were bright and well-defined, and their impact on the missile was immediate. The missile, which had been following a precise trajectory, began to wobble and deviate from its course. This sudden change in behavior was clear in the footage captured by Jacobs.

Review and Confiscation of Evidence
After the test, Jacobs was summoned to the office of Major Florenze Mansmann, who oversaw the analysis of missile test footage. They reviewed the film together, and both men were astounded by what they saw. The UFO's presence and its interaction with the missile were unmistakable.

Their astonishment quickly turned to concern when two men, who identified themselves as representatives from the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), arrived at the base. They confiscated the original film and all related documentation. Jacobs and Mansmann were instructed to remain silent about the incident, under threat of serious consequences.

Witness Accounts and Repercussions
Lieutenant Robert Jacobs and Major Florenze Mansmann became the primary witnesses to this extraordinary event. In interviews years later, Jacobs recounted the details with clarity and conviction, describing the disc-shaped craft, the beams of light, and the abrupt confiscation of evidence. He expressed frustration at the secrecy imposed and felt a duty to reveal the truth.

Mansmann also corroborated Jacobs' account, providing additional details about the shape of the craft and its advanced capabilities. He confirmed that the film had been taken by the CIA and that he was warned not to discuss the incident.

Technological Implications
The Vandenberg Rocket incident is significant for several reasons. The craft's advanced technological capabilities, as described by the witnesses, were far beyond anything known at the time. The precision with which the beams of light were aimed and their effect on the missile suggested sophisticated technology that could manipulate objects in flight. This raised questions about the origin and purpose of the craft.

National Security Concerns
The involvement of the CIA and the immediate confiscation of evidence highlighted the potential national security implications of the incident. The possibility that an unidentified craft could interfere with a missile test was alarming, especially during the tense period of the Cold War. The secrecy surrounding the event further underscored its significance.

Event Details