The Black Knight, an extraterrestrial object in orbit?

The story of the Black Knight is a mix of facts and speculation. In 1998, photos taken during the STS-88 shuttle mission showed a dark object floating in space. Quickly, some saw it as evidence of extraterrestrial technology.


The origins of this legend date back to Nikola Tesla's experiments in the late 19th century. The famous inventor reportedly picked up radio signals he attributed to extraterrestrial intelligence. These observations, combined with other unexplained phenomena, laid the foundation for the Black Knight mythology. Today, scientists attribute these signals to natural or terrestrial sources.

The fascination with the Black Knight grew stronger in the digital age. Images from the STS-88 mission, widely shared online, were interpreted as proof of its existence. James Oberg, a former NASA engineer, however demonstrated that it was space debris. Despite this, the extraterrestrial theory persists.

The persistence of this legend can also be explained by our tendency to look for hidden patterns. Where space mysteries captivate the imagination, the Black Knight offers an enthralling story. Yet, scientific evidence points to a much more mundane explanation: a simple thermal blanket lost during a spacewalk.

How is space debris tracked?

Space agencies use radars and telescopes to track the thousands of debris pieces orbiting Earth. These objects, often remnants of space missions, can pose a danger to satellites and crewed missions.

The catalog of space objects is constantly updated to prevent collisions. Smaller debris is harder to detect, and their number increases with space activity.

Innovative technologies are being developed to clean up Earth's orbit. Among them are nets, harpoons, and even lasers to disintegrate smaller debris.

Despite these efforts, the problem of space debris remains a major issue for future space exploration.

What is a space thermal blanket?

Thermal blankets protect spacecraft from the extreme temperatures of space. Made of reflective materials, they insulate sensitive equipment.

During spacewalks, astronauts handle these blankets carefully. A mistake can lead to their loss, as was the case during the STS-88 mission.

Once released, these objects become space debris, and they usually end up burning up in Earth's atmosphere after some time, depending on their initial altitude.