NASA-UAP-D013: Mercury Atlas 7 (Aurora 7) Audio Excerpt — Scott Carpenter, May 24, 1962
Date
May 24, 1962
Document Type
Audio
Authentication
Official PublicationRedaction Status
✓ Fully ReleasedIssuing Authority
NASA — Mercury Program / Department of War (PURSUE Release 2)
Summary
Audio excerpt from the Mercury Atlas 7 (Aurora 7) mission released by the Department of War as part of PURSUE Release 2. The recording captures mission audio from Scott Carpenter's 3-orbit Mercury flight on May 24, 1962. Carpenter reported 'snowflake' particles moving faster than the Aurora 7 capsule — a phenomenon that was later attributed to condensation from the capsule's thrusters, but the timing was noted as inconsistent with that explanation. Carpenter was among the earliest astronauts to make detailed anomalous observation reports, and his Aurora 7 account has been referenced in UAP research for decades.
Significance
Scott Carpenter's 'snowflake' particles account is one of the most discussed early astronaut anomalous observation reports. The initial explanation — condensation from attitude thrusters — was challenged by NASA researchers who noted the timing and behavior of the particles was inconsistent with known thruster discharge patterns. Carpenter himself maintained uncertainty about the explanation. The PURSUE release provides official archival audio of the contemporaneous mission report.