Edwards AFB UFO Landing

In 1957, Gordon Cooper was one of an elite band of test pilots at Edwards Air Force Base in California, in charge of several advanced projects, including the installation of a precision landing system.

“I had a camera crew filming the installation when they spotted a saucer. They filmed it as it flew overhead, then hovered, extended three legs as landing gear, and slowly came down to land on a dry lake bed!

“These guys were all pro cameramen, so the picture quality was very good.

“The camera crew managed to get within 20 or 30 yards of it, filming all the time. It was a classic saucer, shiny silver and smooth, about 30 feet across. It was pretty clear it was an alien craft.

“As they approached closer it took off.”

When his camera crew handed over the film, Cooper followed standard procedure and contacted Washington to report the UFO ­ and “all heck broke loose,” he said.