In 1967, the Lincoln Experimental Satellite disappeared from tracking devices without any warning or explanation. Not too much concern was evidenced over the disappearance of the LES-1; objects are often lost in space and never recovered.
In the years following the launch of the LES-1, eight more of the satellites were placed into orbit and functioned as designed.
The original, however, was never heard from again. Until recently, that is. In 2013, amateur astronomers began to receive new transmissions from the LES-1.
Phil Williams from the United Kingdom was one of the astronomers who claims to have heard what he calls “ghostly sounds” in the transmissions.
Some were quick to suggest that the strange noises could be the communications of an alien race. It appears, however, that the actual cause of the new signal transmissions can be attributed to something far more mundane.
As far as the scientists can determine, the satellite has simply been maintaining its orbital path in the intervening years.
A general theory suggests that the same faulty wiring which caused the satellite to go offline originally may be responsible for the new transmissions.
The scientists believe that the spinning of the LES-1 intermittently exposes its solar panels to the light they require to function.
When those panels are in shadow, the transmitter does not have sufficient power to broadcast. Astronomers hope to learn from the satellite’s new transmissions and the original failure that caused it to go silent.
