Did Astronaut Gordon Cooper Encounter UFOs? Mercury Mission Pioneer's Extraordinary Claims
Gordon Cooper, a pioneering astronaut from the Mercury program, has left an indelible mark on American space exploration. Born in Shauny, Oklahoma, Cooper's educational background included studies at the University of Hawaii and a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the USAF Institute of Technology. His extensive training encompassed everything from space technology to lunar geology, complemented by specialized training at various military institutions including the USAF Experimental Test Pilot School and the Navy's helicopter program.
After serving as an experimental flight test pilot at Edwards Air Force Base from 1956 to 1959, Cooper became one of the original Mercury astronauts. His remarkable 1963 mission, during which he completed 22 orbits around Earth over 32 hours, remains the longest solo American space flight. During this mission, Cooper made history by successfully completing a manual re-entry after losing all electronics, demonstrating extraordinary skill under pressure. Now in his seventies, Cooper resides in Ventura, California, where he serves as president of Galaxy Group Inc., working on innovative aircraft designs, including a vertical lift craft with saucer-shaped wings.
Key Takeaways
Gordon Cooper's extensive military and space training prepared him for his historic role as one of the original Mercury astronauts.
During his 1963 Mercury mission, Cooper performed the first manual spacecraft re-entry after experiencing complete electronics failure.
Despite the risks involved in experimental flight testing and space travel, Cooper maintained that his passion for aviation made the dangers worthwhile.
Early Life and Education of Gordon Cooper
Gordon Cooper was born in Shauny, Oklahoma. His educational journey began at the University of Hawaii and culminated with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from the USAF Institute of Technology.
Cooper's training was extensive and diverse. He completed 11 years of graduate-level education in space technology, mechanics, lunar geology, spacecraft design, and flight testing with NASA. His military education was equally impressive.
His specialized training included:
USAF Jet Pilot School
USAF Experimental Test Pilot School
USAF Jet Engine Rebuilding School
United States Navy Underwater Demolition Team
USN Helicopter School
From 1956 to 1959, Cooper served as an experimental flight test project manager and test pilot at Edwards Air Force Base. This experience prepared him for his selection as one of the original Mercury astronauts in 1959.
Cooper made history in 1963 when he flew the last Mercury mission, completing 22 orbits around Earth in 32 hours. This achievement still stands as the U.S. record for the longest solo spaceflight. During this mission, he became the first person to manually control re-entry from space after losing all electronics.
At 72 years old, Cooper reflected that the fatality rate among test pilots and space pioneers has been relatively low compared to highway accidents. His passion for aviation and space exploration drove him to accept the risks inherent in his profession.
Military Education and Service History
Air Force Technical Training
Gordon Cooper received extensive technical education through the United States Air Force. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from the USAF Institute of Technology, building a strong foundation for his future work in aviation and space exploration. His academic credentials were complemented by 11 years of graduate-level training in specialized fields including space technology, space mechanics, lunar geology, spacecraft design, and flight testing while working with NASA.
Specialized Military Training Programs
Cooper's military education extended beyond standard academic programs. He graduated from multiple elite training schools:
USAF Jet Pilot School
USAF Experimental Test Pilot School
USAF Jet Engine Rebuilding School
United States Navy Underwater Demolition Team
USN Helicopter School
Between 1956 and 1959, he served as an experimental flight test project manager and test pilot at Edwards Air Force Base. This diverse training prepared him for his selection as a Mercury astronaut in 1959. Cooper's technical expertise and hands-on experience made him one of only four surviving space pioneers from an era when mission failures posed serious risks.
His military background ultimately influenced his post-NASA career in aircraft design, where he incorporated his technical knowledge into new aviation concepts.
NASA Career and Mercury Project
Gordon Cooper embarked on his journey with NASA in 1959 when he was selected as a Mercury astronaut. This opportunity came after his impressive tenure as an experimental flight test project manager and test pilot at Edwards Air Force Base from 1956 to 1959. Cooper brought extensive qualifications to his role, including degrees in Aeronautical Engineering and significant training in space technology.
Cooper flew the final Mercury mission in 1963, completing 22 orbits around Earth during a 32-hour flight. This achievement still stands as the US record for the longest solo space flight. During this historic mission, Cooper encountered a significant challenge when he lost all electronic systems aboard his spacecraft.
Faced with this critical situation, Cooper became the first astronaut to manually control reentry from space. His previous practice sessions in simulators prepared him for this exact scenario. The manual reentry required maintaining the spacecraft within a narrow window—not too steep to avoid burning up, and not too shallow to prevent bouncing off the atmosphere.
The process of manual reentry demanded constant vigilance. Without electronic attitude indicators, Cooper had to continuously correct the spacecraft's inherent instability by preventing roll, pitch, and yaw rates from building up. Similar to navigating a curved road in a car, he made ongoing adjustments to maintain proper orientation.
Prior to his NASA career, Cooper had built an impressive educational foundation. His qualifications included:
BS in Aeronautical Engineering from USAF Institute of Technology
11 years of graduate-level training in space technologies
Graduate of USAF Jet Pilot School
Graduate of USAF Experimental Test Pilot School
Training at USAF Jet Engine Rebuilding School
Training with United States Navy underwater demolition team
Graduate of USN Helicopter School
After his NASA career, Cooper established himself as president of Galaxy Group Inc., an engineering design firm specializing in aircraft modification and design. Drawing partially from his experiences with UFOs, Cooper developed plans for the Fantex 2000, a vertical lift craft featuring saucer-shaped wings attached to a fuselage.
Post-NASA Endeavors and Galaxy Group Inc.
After his distinguished NASA career, Gordon Cooper settled in Ventura, California, where he established Galaxy Group Inc. This engineering design company specializes in aircraft modification and the development of new aircraft designs. Cooper serves as president of the organization, leveraging his extensive aerospace expertise.
One of Cooper's most innovative projects at Galaxy Group is the Fantex 2000. This unique aircraft features a saucer-shaped wing design attached to a fuselage, incorporating four vertical lift fans. Cooper believes saucer shapes represent the optimal direction for aircraft development—a perspective partly influenced by his own UFO encounters.
Cooper's UFO experience occurred during his time in Germany. He observed metallic, saucer-shaped objects flying in formation patterns similar to military fighters. These objects traveled at high altitude from east to west at speeds exceeding military aircraft capabilities. Despite scrambling planes to investigate closer, Cooper and his team couldn't approach near enough for detailed examination.
The objects displayed no visible wings, maintaining a distinctive saucer appearance. Cooper properly reported this sighting through official channels. This personal experience has informed his current aircraft design philosophy at Galaxy Group Inc.
Cooper's engineering work builds upon his impressive educational background, which includes a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from the USAF Institute of Technology and eleven years of graduate-level training in space technology, lunar geology, and spacecraft design. His expertise is further enhanced by specialized training from various military schools, including the USAF Experimental Test Pilot School and Navy helicopter training.
Aircraft Design Influenced by UFOs
Gordon Cooper's experience with unidentified flying objects has significantly shaped his approach to aircraft design. During his time in Germany, Cooper witnessed peculiar aerial formations that appeared to be metallic, saucer-shaped craft without wings, moving at speeds faster than conventional aircraft. These observations occurred when Cooper was serving as a pilot, and despite scrambling aircraft to investigate, they were unable to get close enough for detailed examination.
These encounters informed Cooper's later work as president of Galaxy Group Inc., an engineering design firm specializing in aircraft modification and development. The company's approach combines cutting-edge technology with design principles observed in these unconventional craft.
One of Cooper's most innovative projects is the Fantex 2000, a unique aircraft featuring saucer-shaped wings attached to a conventional fuselage. The design incorporates four vertical lift fans, allowing for unprecedented maneuverability. Cooper believes the aviation industry should have adopted saucer-shaped designs much earlier, as they offer substantial aerodynamic advantages.
Cooper brings exceptional credentials to his aircraft designs. With a BS in Aeronautical Engineering from the USAF Institute of Technology and 11 years of graduate-level training in space technology, spacecraft design, and flight testing, his technical expertise is comprehensive. His background as an experimental test pilot at Edwards Air Force Base from 1956 to 1959 and subsequent selection as a Mercury astronaut provides practical experience few aircraft designers possess.
His 1963 Mercury mission, which included 22 orbits around Earth lasting 32 hours (still the U.S. record for longest solo spaceflight), demonstrated his remarkable skill. During this mission, Cooper faced a complete electronics failure, becoming the first person to manually control reentry from space—an experience that likely influences his approach to reliable aircraft systems design.
At 72 years old (as of the interview), Cooper continues to apply his aerospace knowledge to developing innovative aircraft designs that challenge conventional thinking about what aircraft should look like and how they should perform.
Manual Re-Entry Achievement
Gordon Cooper made history during the 1963 Mercury mission when he became the first astronaut to manually control re-entry from space. During his solo flight, which circled Earth 22 times over 32 hours, Cooper experienced a complete electronics failure that put his skills to the ultimate test.
This achievement still stands as the longest solo space flight by an American. When all his electronic systems failed, Cooper remained calm and focused, drawing on his extensive preparation for just such a scenario.
"I had done some practicing on that in the simulator figuring the worst thing that could happen would be to lose all your electronics," Cooper explained. This foresight proved crucial when faced with the real situation in orbit.
The manual re-entry required precise control within a narrow window. Coming in too steep or too shallow could have been disastrous. Without electronic guidance systems, Cooper had to rely on his piloting instincts to maintain the spacecraft's stability.
The primary challenge involved preventing oscillation rates from building up in roll, pitch, and yaw. Since the spacecraft was inherently unstable and all attitude instruments were offline due to the electrical failure, Cooper had to constantly make corrections, similar to steering a car on a curved road.
Despite these challenges, Cooper maintained that the procedure was "not that difficult to do" if one stayed focused. His successful manual re-entry demonstrated not only his exceptional piloting abilities but also the value of thorough preparation for contingencies in space missions.
This achievement added to Cooper's already impressive career as a test pilot and astronaut. His calm handling of this potentially life-threatening situation exemplified the qualities that made the Mercury astronauts legendary figures in the history of space exploration.
Reflections on Risk and Passion for Flight
As a former test pilot and astronaut, I've often been asked if I ever thought I'd make it to my seventies. At 72 years old now, I can say that in my younger days, this age certainly seemed distant. The reality of test piloting meant facing mortality regularly, but most fighter pilots and test pilots develop a certain fatalism. We tend to believe that when it's your time to go, you'll go—no sense rushing it, but no point in fearing the inevitable either.
What draws someone to such a dangerous profession? For me, it was always about the profound passion for aircraft and flying. It consumes you completely, becoming the driving force in your life.
Despite public perception, the fatality rates among test pilots and astronauts have actually been quite reasonable—highways claim more lives statistically. This doesn't diminish the very real dangers we faced, however. Sitting atop a rocket, you place enormous trust in countless engineers and technicians who built each component. As someone once joked, you're riding a machine with thousands of moving parts, all built by the lowest bidder.
The experience of watching rockets explode during testing leaves an indelible mark. Those moments reinforce the stakes when it's your turn to climb aboard. Most Americans might struggle to understand why anyone would take such risks, but the work offers a unique combination of challenge, technological advancement, and personal satisfaction that few other careers can match.
During my last Mercury mission in 1963, I faced the ultimate test when all electronics failed. Having practiced this exact scenario in simulators, I became the first person to manually control re-entry from space. The process requires maintaining the spacecraft within a narrow window—not too steep to prevent burning up, not too shallow to avoid bouncing off the atmosphere.
Without electronic instruments, the key challenge becomes managing the spacecraft's natural instability. You must constantly correct for oscillations in roll, pitch, and yaw, similar to navigating a curved road in a car, making continuous adjustments through feel and visual references outside the spacecraft.
Throughout my career, I've encountered unexplained phenomena. While flying in Germany, I observed objects at high altitude that resembled fighter formations but without visible wings. They appeared metallic and saucer-shaped, traveling east to west at speeds significantly faster than our aircraft. When we scrambled planes to investigate closer, they remained elusive. These sightings were officially reported, though the response to such reports typically remained guarded.
The challenge and wonder of flight, whether within Earth's atmosphere or beyond it, continues to captivate those willing to accept the inherent risks of pushing boundaries. This combination of technical expertise, courage, and curiosity defines the essence of exploration.
Experiences With Experimental Aircraft
During my career as a test pilot at Edwards Air Force Base from 1956 to 1959, I encountered numerous challenging situations that pushed the boundaries of aviation technology. My role as an experimental flight test project manager allowed me to evaluate aircraft performance under extreme conditions, providing essential data for future designs.
Flying experimental jets often placed me in precarious situations. On several occasions, I found myself troubleshooting unexpected technical failures mid-flight. These experiences reinforced the importance of thorough preparation and simulator training for emergency scenarios.
My extensive training at the USAF Experimental Test Pilot School proved invaluable during these missions. The rigorous curriculum covered both theoretical knowledge and practical application, preparing pilots for the unpredictable nature of experimental aircraft testing.
The fatality rate among test pilots was actually lower than many might expect. Despite the inherent risks, careful preparation and stringent safety protocols helped minimize accidents. As I often noted, "We have worse fatalities out on the highways."
My Mercury mission in 1963 presented a unique challenge when I experienced a complete electronics failure. Having anticipated this possibility, I had practiced manual re-entry extensively in simulators. The key challenge involved keeping the spacecraft stable within a narrow re-entry window.
During manual re-entry, the primary focus was preventing oscillation rates from building up. Without electronic attitude instruments, I had to constantly correct the spacecraft's position, similar to navigating a curved road in a car. This became the first successful manual re-entry from space in history.
While flying over Germany, I observed unusual aircraft that defied conventional designs. These metallic, saucer-shaped objects flew in formation patterns similar to fighter squadrons, moving from east to west at speeds exceeding our aircraft capabilities. Despite scrambling planes to investigate further, we couldn't get close enough to examine additional details.
These experiences informed my later work in aircraft design, particularly the Fantex 2000 concept. This vertical lift craft incorporates saucer-shaped wings attached to a fuselage, a design I believe represents an optimal approach to aircraft engineering that should have been pursued earlier in aviation history.
UFO Rumors and Personal Encounter
Gordon Cooper, one of America's pioneering astronauts, has faced numerous rumors about UFO sightings during his Mercury mission. He firmly denies these stories, describing them as "totally untrue" and "a bunch of lies" that someone profited from spreading. Despite his denials, these fabricated accounts have persisted and even been embellished over time.
While Cooper dismisses the space mission UFO story, he does confirm one genuine UFO encounter during his military career. This sighting occurred while he was serving in Germany. Cooper observed what appeared to be strange vehicles at high altitude, moving in formation patterns similar to fighter aircraft.
The objects were traveling from east to west at speeds considerably faster than Cooper's aircraft. When describing their appearance, Cooper noted they had a distinctive saucer shape with a metallic appearance and no visible wings. The military scrambled planes to investigate, but they couldn't get close enough to observe additional details.
Cooper dutifully reported this sighting through official channels, following proper military protocol. This experience, combined with his extensive background in aerospace engineering and flight testing, has influenced his professional life after NASA. His engineering firm has developed designs for aircraft incorporating saucer-shaped elements, which he believes represent a more efficient approach to aircraft design.
Gordon Cooper's Legacy
Gordon Cooper, born in Shawnee, Oklahoma, carved out an impressive career in aviation and space exploration. His educational background included a degree from the University of Hawaii and a BS in Aeronautical Engineering from the USAF Institute of Technology. Cooper's training extended beyond formal education to include 11 years of graduate-level instruction in space technology, lunar geology, and spacecraft design.
His military preparation was equally comprehensive. Cooper graduated from the USAF Jet Pilot School, USAF Experimental Test Pilot School, USAF Jet Engine Rebuilding School, United States Navy Underwater Demolition Team, and USN Helicopter School.
From 1956 to 1959, Cooper served as an experimental flight test project manager and test pilot at Edwards Air Force Base. In 1959, he joined NASA as one of the original Mercury astronauts. At 72 years old at the time of this account, Cooper was one of four surviving space pioneers from the early days of space exploration.
His most notable mission came in 1963 when he piloted the final Mercury mission. During this flight, Cooper orbited Earth 22 times over 32 hours, establishing what remained the U.S. record for the longest solo spaceflight. The mission became even more remarkable when Cooper lost all electronics and became the first astronaut to manually control re-entry from space.
When asked about the dangers of his profession, Cooper adopted the pragmatic attitude common among test pilots: a kind of fatalism that acknowledged the risks while focusing on the job at hand. He noted that despite public perception, the fatality rate among test pilots and astronauts was actually lower than highway deaths.
After his NASA career, Cooper settled in Ventura, California, where he served as president of Galaxy Group Inc. The company specialized in engineering design, aircraft modification, and new aircraft development. One of his post-NASA projects included designing the Fantex 2000, a vertical lift craft with saucer-shaped wings attached to a fuselage.
During his military service in Germany, Cooper reported observing unidentified flying objects. He described them as metallic, saucer-shaped craft without wings, flying in formation similar to fighter planes but at considerably higher speeds. Despite attempts to intercept these objects with military aircraft, Cooper and his colleagues couldn't get close enough to observe more details.
