2017 Curiosity Rover Saucer: Notable UFO / UAP Sightings of 2017
The year 2017 was particularly active for UFO/UAP enthusiasts, highlighted by intriguing images from NASA’s Curiosity rover on Mars, multiple objects filmed near the International Space Station, and continued high-quality sightings around the world. While many anomalies captured that year have conventional explanations, several cases — especially those involving official equipment — continue to generate discussion and analysis.
Notable Events of 2017
Curiosity Rover Saucer Objects on Mars
NASA’s Curiosity rover captured multiple intriguing images of saucer-shaped and disc-like objects on the Martian surface and in the Martian sky throughout 2017. These images, taken by the rover’s Mastcam and Navcam systems, show objects that appear metallic and structured, sparking widespread debate about possible artificial objects on Mars.
NASA has generally attributed these anomalies to camera artifacts, rover debris, or natural rock formations shaped by wind erosion (pareidolia). However, some independent researchers argue the objects show symmetry and reflective properties inconsistent with typical Martian geology. These images continue to be analyzed by both skeptics and anomaly hunters.
May 2017 — Two Major Developments
Robert Hastings Releases Updated “UFOs and Nukes”
Researcher Robert Hastings publishes the second edition of his groundbreaking book UFOs and Nukes. The updated volume summarizes his interviews with over 150 military veterans who witnessed UFO activity at nuclear weapons bases, missile silos, and storage facilities across the United States and Europe.
Hastings documents incidents at major ICBM sites including Malmstrom, Minot, F.E. Warren, Ellsworth, Vandenberg, and Walker Air Force Bases. He also presents evidence of UFO interest in nuclear storage areas at Wurtsmith AFB, Loring AFB, and the famous RAF Bentwaters incident in England.
Robert Bigelow’s Bold Statement on 60 Minutes
In a widely viewed CBS 60 Minutes interview, aerospace entrepreneur Robert Bigelow stated that he is “absolutely convinced” that aliens exist and that there is an “existing presence, an ET presence” on Earth.
Bigelow, founder of Bigelow Aerospace and former owner of Skinwalker Ranch, made the remarks during a segment focused on commercial space development, surprising many viewers with his openness on the topic.
ISS UFO Sightings – Objects Near the International Space Station
Several compelling videos and images emerged in 2017 showing unidentified objects near the International Space Station (ISS). One of the most discussed sequences shows objects appearing to maneuver and change direction abruptly while the ISS was orbiting Earth.
These sightings gained attention because they were captured on live NASA feeds. Some researchers point to the objects’ apparent intelligent movement and lack of visible propulsion. Official explanations usually cite space debris, satellites, or reflections, but the cases remain popular among those following real-time ISS footage.
Chilean Navy UFO & Other Global Sightings
Building on the well-known 2014 Chilean Navy infrared video (publicized in 2016), additional high-quality reports continued to emerge from Chile and other countries in 2017. The Chilean case remains one of the strongest officially acknowledged UAP videos on record.
2017 in Context
2017 was a pivotal year in modern UAP history. It followed the quiet release of Navy videos and preceded the major wave of media coverage in 2017–2018. The combination of Mars rover anomalies, ISS footage, and military cases kept the topic alive in both mainstream and alternative media.
Common Themes in 2017 Sightings
- Increased number of objects captured by official or scientific equipment
- More daylight and high-resolution imagery
- Continued interest in transmedium and space-based anomalies
- Growing public access to raw NASA and ISS footage
Explanations and Ongoing Debate
As with most UFO reports, many 2017 cases have proposed conventional explanations: – Rover debris or camera artifacts (Mars images) – Satellites, space junk, or lens flares (ISS footage) – Drones or aircraft (terrestrial sightings) However, some researchers argue that certain objects show flight characteristics or structural details that challenge easy dismissal. The sheer volume of images from scientific instruments makes 2017 particularly interesting for detailed analysis.
Why 2017 Matters Today
2017 helped bridge the gap between classic UFO cases and the modern era of official UAP acknowledgment. The images and videos from that year are still widely studied and remain some of the most accessible high-quality evidence available to the public.
As more government agencies release UAP data and private companies increase activity in space, cases from 2017 serve as important historical reference points.
Conclusion
From saucer-shaped anomalies on Mars to mysterious objects near the ISS and strong international reports, 2017 provided a rich variety of UFO/UAP material. While most sightings ultimately receive prosaic explanations, the best-documented cases from this year continue to challenge our understanding of what is flying in our skies — and beyond.
This article is for informational and educational purposes. Many 2017 anomalies have been attributed to camera artifacts, debris, or conventional objects, but well-documented cases continue to be studied.