What do you think?
Rate this book
Dark Mission: The Secret History of NASA
The New York Times bestseller about the strange history of NASA and its cover-ups regarding its origins and extraterrestrial architecture found on the moon and Mars is even more interesting in its new edition.
Authors Richard C. Hoagland and Mike Bara include a new chapter about the discoveries made by ex-Nazi scientist and NASA stalwart Wernher von Braun regarding what he termed "alternate gravitational solutions," or the rewriting of Newtonian physics into hyperdimensional spheres.
Authors Richard C. Hoagland and Mike Bara include a new chapter about the discoveries made by ex-Nazi scientist and NASA stalwart Wernher von Braun regarding what he termed "alternate gravitational solutions," or the rewriting of Newtonian physics into hyperdimensional spheres.
634 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2007
140 people are currently reading
1275 people want to read
About the author
Richard C. Hoagland
20 books33 followersAmerican author, and a proponent of various theories about NASA, lost alien civilizations on the Moon and on Mars and other related topics.
His writings claim that advanced civilizations exist or once existed on the Moon, Mars and on some of the moons of Jupiter and Saturn, and that NASA and the United States government have conspired to keep these facts secret.
One of his most known theories is the "Face on the moon" which he claimed was a statue of a face.
His writings claim that advanced civilizations exist or once existed on the Moon, Mars and on some of the moons of Jupiter and Saturn, and that NASA and the United States government have conspired to keep these facts secret.
One of his most known theories is the "Face on the moon" which he claimed was a statue of a face.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
June 3, 2008
Richard C. Hoagland is a real piece of work. The guy believes that the "Face on Mars" is a sculpture (despite all evidence to the contrary) and that it's surrounded by a ruined Martian city. He believes there are the remains of crystaline ruins on the Moon, and the reason the astronauts don't remember seeing them is that they've been brainwashed. Furthermore, the Real Truth about ancient alien civilizations is being suppressed by NASA, which is under the control of some kind of mystery cult. Masons are involved somewhere in there, as is the Kennedy asassination. He's the master of misinterpreting photographs, which makes the whole thing kind of entertaining: a fuzzy blob in the background of a moonscape because a castle suspended by cables, high above the lunar surface. Non-color-corrected photos of Mars that seem to show green blotches (due to the way the images are processed) are proof that there is plant life on Mars.
Have I mentioned that Hoagland refers to himself in the third person for the entire book? And that the Sun is a hyperspacial gateway? (that one isn't really explained particularly well...)
At any rate, I'd give this zero stars for scientific accuracy, four stars for entertainment value -- I figure it averages out to two...
Have I mentioned that Hoagland refers to himself in the third person for the entire book? And that the Sun is a hyperspacial gateway? (that one isn't really explained particularly well...)
At any rate, I'd give this zero stars for scientific accuracy, four stars for entertainment value -- I figure it averages out to two...
Want to read
August 30, 2016
Last Friday (19th of June) I had read that Russia wanted an "international investigation" on the "obscure moon landings" of the period 1969-1972.
After watching the documentary ("Moon Rising") by Jose Escamilla, you'll certainly be in the position of wanting to know more and quite suspicious on the pictorial narrative you've been fed so far.
In the words of Mike Bara, who was prompted by the research of Richard Hoagland, you'll start wondering about a "secret space program", a populated moon, whether by aliens or by man. In the documentary someone says it's "the greatest story ever denied".
Curiously enough it is referred one hacker once had access to the NASA's listings; in those, were printed this: "non-terrestrial officers".
- Who are they?
Jose Escamilla had a tremendous work of "recovering " blurred (on purpose) photographs; his work is amazing; he still wonders why the 1999 Hubble photos of the moon were all black and white. By giving them color his results will boggle any eye.
Stefen Auten: "Why NASA hasn't told us?".
Moreover:
NASA 2009 bombing of the moon
February 19, 2013
It's easy to dismiss the authors' claims of artifacts of intelligent design on the moon and Mars as well as the existence of three "secret society" factions embedded in NASA in its earlier years when the information is just blatantly presented. I've read Hoagland's earlier work, The Monuments of Mars, and I must admit that his research tactics and reasoning have remained consistent in the twenty or so years since that book was published. Do I believe everything that the authors claim in this new tome? No. Do they present their case in a careful, documented, honest manner? Yes.
The book is rather dry, but that's not necessarily a criticism. To approach this information with several degrees of seriousness is far better than falling into some New Age Crap a la David Icke (though, some of his research is actually solid and corroborated, he just spins into wild speculation too often). Having said that, I will address my views of the information presented in Dark Mission briefly.
Hoagland and Bara's claims of ancient, ruined glass structures on the moon is difficult for me to accept based on the photographic evidence they provide. I just don't see it 75% of the time. Some aspects, of their moon theories have a ring of truth to them (and, for the record, they dismiss the "faked moon landings" theories at the outset, as do I), especially when NASA's true inception as a "defense agency" is taken into account. This is indisputable fact. NASA's inconsistencies and possible cover-ups and suppression of information is well-documented and corroborated by other sources, so it is completely within the realm of possibility that ancient, ruined structures have been discovered on Mars and spun into the areas of speculation by an organization that is bound to keep "defense secrets" and prevent "public panic" based on a Brookings Institute report circa 1950's.Incidentally, the existence of this Brookings report is also known fact, however we could debate its influence on government agencies' policies, though such findings have been followed in other areas by the federal government to a "T" over the years. At the very least, the authors make a strong case for anomalies on both Luna and Mars that bear further study, and provide evidence (in the case of Mars) that NASA has clandestinely pursued further studies, only to dismiss claims of artifacts with the same tactics again and again.
Interestingly, the authors' claims about the influence of three secret societies within NASA (in its early years, anyway) is what ostracized them from other Mars Monument researchers, and these are the claims that I find the MOST believable. It's true that Nazis were recruited into various positions within the government following World War II. It's also true that Jack Parsons, co-founder of JPL, was heavily into occult rituals and practices. And it's also true that Freemasonry has always had a strange, strong hold over many aspects of our government (see The Secret Architecture of Our Nation's Capital: The Masons and the Building of Washington, D.C. by David Ovason, as well as several works by Manly P. Hall). Hoagland and Bara stretch the theories of ritual dates a little thin towards the end of the book, losing the string of actual ritualistic dates and practices and unnecessarily replacing them with sort-of trivial NASA anniversary dates. The case for secret societies' involvement in setting NASA plan and policies had been made, and was substantiated through the '70's. Beyond that, the evidence gets thin.
In my opinion, any free-thinking, reasonably intelligent person will finish this book and, at the very least, question what information has been disseminated from what many believed (erroneously) was a civilian institution dedicated to the exploration of space. Our solar system (not to mention Earth and the universe itself) is a vast and mysterious place and to assume that we have learned even 1% of its secrets is incredibly arrogant. This book is recommended for anyone who has a strong curiosity about outer space, Man's place in the universe and history, and, of course, people who find "conspiracy theories" (though I now, generally, despise that term) interesting.
The book is rather dry, but that's not necessarily a criticism. To approach this information with several degrees of seriousness is far better than falling into some New Age Crap a la David Icke (though, some of his research is actually solid and corroborated, he just spins into wild speculation too often). Having said that, I will address my views of the information presented in Dark Mission briefly.
Hoagland and Bara's claims of ancient, ruined glass structures on the moon is difficult for me to accept based on the photographic evidence they provide. I just don't see it 75% of the time. Some aspects, of their moon theories have a ring of truth to them (and, for the record, they dismiss the "faked moon landings" theories at the outset, as do I), especially when NASA's true inception as a "defense agency" is taken into account. This is indisputable fact. NASA's inconsistencies and possible cover-ups and suppression of information is well-documented and corroborated by other sources, so it is completely within the realm of possibility that ancient, ruined structures have been discovered on Mars and spun into the areas of speculation by an organization that is bound to keep "defense secrets" and prevent "public panic" based on a Brookings Institute report circa 1950's.Incidentally, the existence of this Brookings report is also known fact, however we could debate its influence on government agencies' policies, though such findings have been followed in other areas by the federal government to a "T" over the years. At the very least, the authors make a strong case for anomalies on both Luna and Mars that bear further study, and provide evidence (in the case of Mars) that NASA has clandestinely pursued further studies, only to dismiss claims of artifacts with the same tactics again and again.
Interestingly, the authors' claims about the influence of three secret societies within NASA (in its early years, anyway) is what ostracized them from other Mars Monument researchers, and these are the claims that I find the MOST believable. It's true that Nazis were recruited into various positions within the government following World War II. It's also true that Jack Parsons, co-founder of JPL, was heavily into occult rituals and practices. And it's also true that Freemasonry has always had a strange, strong hold over many aspects of our government (see The Secret Architecture of Our Nation's Capital: The Masons and the Building of Washington, D.C. by David Ovason, as well as several works by Manly P. Hall). Hoagland and Bara stretch the theories of ritual dates a little thin towards the end of the book, losing the string of actual ritualistic dates and practices and unnecessarily replacing them with sort-of trivial NASA anniversary dates. The case for secret societies' involvement in setting NASA plan and policies had been made, and was substantiated through the '70's. Beyond that, the evidence gets thin.
In my opinion, any free-thinking, reasonably intelligent person will finish this book and, at the very least, question what information has been disseminated from what many believed (erroneously) was a civilian institution dedicated to the exploration of space. Our solar system (not to mention Earth and the universe itself) is a vast and mysterious place and to assume that we have learned even 1% of its secrets is incredibly arrogant. This book is recommended for anyone who has a strong curiosity about outer space, Man's place in the universe and history, and, of course, people who find "conspiracy theories" (though I now, generally, despise that term) interesting.
Want to read
November 14, 2010O.K. I bought this book from hamiltonbook.com because the description sounded interesting. (BTW, hamiltonbook.com rocks, it's not their fault that this book is a crock of shit.) I didn't notice who the author was. Richard Hoagland is a fucking quack. It's a decade after the "face" on Mars has been thoroughly de-bunked and he's still trying to sell this shit. He's a fucking idiot. I'll still probably read this book just to see how whacked out it is. But I'm sure there's no astronomy or astrophysics here. I've thumbed thru the book and it's still all the same "face" on Mars, and there's "condominiums" on Mars type of bullshit. I think this is a minimum 6 beer book. I'll attempt to read it, but I warn you now that it may get launched into orbit at any time. (Yes, I've had a few beers tonight, but I can still tell bullshit when I see it.)
February 25, 2009
I'm a complete sucker for this kind of book and when I saw it at the Liberty Science Center, I just had to buy it.
But after reading, I'm a bit disappointed. To really do this kind of book right, you have to go the full crazy. And Hoagland and Bara only go about 60% crazy. I'm in no position to judge the scientific aspects of their thesis - alternate modes of physics really aren't my bag, nor are photographic enhancement techniques. As for the political aspects (essentially that if NASA found evidence of aliens, they wouldn't tell the public in order to prevent a panic), it makes sense, although I have my doubts of the ability of any large organization to retain confidential information for any extended period of time.
Oh, and the cover is a sucker play: this is not really a book about how Freemasons run NASA. There is really just one chapter about that and even then, it's mixed up with Nazis and "Magicians" as the three secret societies that have controlled the NASA hierarchy since its founding.
Still, worth a read. And I'm guessing there is a lot of material online (or even in other reviews) refuting this book, but what's the fun in that?
But after reading, I'm a bit disappointed. To really do this kind of book right, you have to go the full crazy. And Hoagland and Bara only go about 60% crazy. I'm in no position to judge the scientific aspects of their thesis - alternate modes of physics really aren't my bag, nor are photographic enhancement techniques. As for the political aspects (essentially that if NASA found evidence of aliens, they wouldn't tell the public in order to prevent a panic), it makes sense, although I have my doubts of the ability of any large organization to retain confidential information for any extended period of time.
Oh, and the cover is a sucker play: this is not really a book about how Freemasons run NASA. There is really just one chapter about that and even then, it's mixed up with Nazis and "Magicians" as the three secret societies that have controlled the NASA hierarchy since its founding.
Still, worth a read. And I'm guessing there is a lot of material online (or even in other reviews) refuting this book, but what's the fun in that?
June 10, 2009
I honestly don't know what to say about this book's truth-quotient. I DO know that NASA and other listed agencies ARE connected to secret societies, this has been independently verified by other sources. NASA is more interested in keeping things hidden, why else did Matlin peter out the Mars pictures, and why go to such links to make the "litter box" version of the Face on Mars if it isn't anything let the unalterated picture speak to itself and why show Mars as redder than it REALLY is? These reviewers are going way too far to debunk this because they are not ready to quietly consider what is here.
As to how much is truth? *shrugs* But this book does question what we thought was true, and it would be wiser to consider what it says and not throw the baby out with the bathwater. For it is also a confirmed FACT that Von Braun is a Nazi scientist from Project Paperclip.
Don't listen to these scared naysaying debunkers, be a TRUE skeptic and judge this work fairly. Don't be afraid of the truth just because it hurts, but also do not be blinded into believing without questions. Questioning things keeps us from denying the truth or accepting deceptions.
As to how much is truth? *shrugs* But this book does question what we thought was true, and it would be wiser to consider what it says and not throw the baby out with the bathwater. For it is also a confirmed FACT that Von Braun is a Nazi scientist from Project Paperclip.
Don't listen to these scared naysaying debunkers, be a TRUE skeptic and judge this work fairly. Don't be afraid of the truth just because it hurts, but also do not be blinded into believing without questions. Questioning things keeps us from denying the truth or accepting deceptions.
May 11, 2008
Hoagland is a menace. His credentials are over-exaggerated and his NASA theories are harmful to the actual good that the organization produces. No government agency is without sin, but this isn't the book to go looking for factual dark secrets.
Hoagland sets himself up as a purveyor of scientific theories but he is not a scientist and thus is free from third-party verification and peer reviews. He uses distorted satellite imagery to back up his creepy claims.
Domes on the moon. The face on Mars. JFK's assassination. It's all in here. Even so, Hoagland's biggest sin is that as a whole his theories are boring. Even the cover photo of an astronaut planting a Masonic flag on the moon is faked!
Hoagland sets himself up as a purveyor of scientific theories but he is not a scientist and thus is free from third-party verification and peer reviews. He uses distorted satellite imagery to back up his creepy claims.
Domes on the moon. The face on Mars. JFK's assassination. It's all in here. Even so, Hoagland's biggest sin is that as a whole his theories are boring. Even the cover photo of an astronaut planting a Masonic flag on the moon is faked!
February 24, 2021
"Based on our analysis as presented in this book, it is also our opinion that NASA's entire lunar exploration program—culminating with the incredibly successful manned Apollo Project—was carefully conceived, from the beginning, as a kind of 'alien reconnaissance' followed by an 'alien artifacts retrieval' program."
March 26, 2011
The first time I saw a picture of the "Face on Mars", if I remember correctly was sometime in 1997, when I was at the bookshop browsing through Graham Hancock's new release "The Mars Mystery". Must say, at the time,the topic didn't catch my interest, and I didn't feel the need to read the book. Nevertheless, that picture of the "Face" was interesting...
Then, sometime in 2004, when I was reading "The Lost Book of Enki" by Zecharia Sitchin, which through exhaustive research of primary sources, and using actual discovered portions of the ancient Sumerian text as "scaffolding", Sitchin re-created the memoirs of Enki,the leader of these first "astronauts" of the Anunnakis and the story of their arrival on Earth from the planet Nibiru.
Interestingly, the synopsis of the Fourth Tablet(Pg 84)states :
"The Nibiruans hail even the small gold delivery
Test the gold's use as an atmospheric shield succeed
Additional heroes and new equipment are sent to Earth
Gold extraction from the waters continues to disappoint
Ea discover gold sources that need deep mining in the Abzu
Enlil, then Anu, come to earth for cruical decisions
As the half brother quarrel, lots decided the tasks
Ea, renamed Enki (Earth's Master), goes to the Abzu
Enlil stays to develop permanent facilities in the Edin
As Anu prepares to leave, he is attacked by Alalu
The Seven Who Judge sentence Alalu to exile on Lahmu
Anu's daughter Ninmah, a medical officer, is sent to Earth
Stopping off at Lahmu(Mars)she finds Alalu dead
A rock, craved to resemble Alalu's face, serves as his tomb
Anzu is given command of a Way Station on Lahmu."
Well,I immediately thought of the "Face on Mars" when I read this. The fact that Sitchin was one distingushed by his ability to read Sumerian clay tablets and other ancient text - whether this was part his translation of the ancient text or through the work of his own mind, for him to write about a rock craved as a tomb on Mars to resemble a "face" of the Anunnaki resting within...certainly makes one think that there must be more....
Many may find it hard to believe what's written in Hoagland and Bara's "Dark Mission", but I guess it's really all about one's experience and how each person perceives new or forgotten information which gets presented to us again and again...and it's only through intuition and discernment that the truth shall be known.
Now that it's March 2011, and right after witnessing the recent massive destruction caused by Japan's 9.0 earthquake and a 10m tsumani thereafter, reducing what used to be home towns, roads and agricultural lands to mere ruins of nothing but a mountain of waste, and in one moment of fury, Mother Nature wipes out ten of thousands of humans and animals in one go. The realisation of what nature can do, and not to mention about the on-going problems at the damaged nuclear plant, this would indeed changed one's perception and may just give us a better idea of what the authors were trying to do analysing the photos of the Moon and Mars to ascertain if they were there, and indeed were "artifical structures" of civilization long destroyed and now in ruins.
Then, sometime in 2004, when I was reading "The Lost Book of Enki" by Zecharia Sitchin, which through exhaustive research of primary sources, and using actual discovered portions of the ancient Sumerian text as "scaffolding", Sitchin re-created the memoirs of Enki,the leader of these first "astronauts" of the Anunnakis and the story of their arrival on Earth from the planet Nibiru.
Interestingly, the synopsis of the Fourth Tablet(Pg 84)states :
"The Nibiruans hail even the small gold delivery
Test the gold's use as an atmospheric shield succeed
Additional heroes and new equipment are sent to Earth
Gold extraction from the waters continues to disappoint
Ea discover gold sources that need deep mining in the Abzu
Enlil, then Anu, come to earth for cruical decisions
As the half brother quarrel, lots decided the tasks
Ea, renamed Enki (Earth's Master), goes to the Abzu
Enlil stays to develop permanent facilities in the Edin
As Anu prepares to leave, he is attacked by Alalu
The Seven Who Judge sentence Alalu to exile on Lahmu
Anu's daughter Ninmah, a medical officer, is sent to Earth
Stopping off at Lahmu(Mars)she finds Alalu dead
A rock, craved to resemble Alalu's face, serves as his tomb
Anzu is given command of a Way Station on Lahmu."
Well,I immediately thought of the "Face on Mars" when I read this. The fact that Sitchin was one distingushed by his ability to read Sumerian clay tablets and other ancient text - whether this was part his translation of the ancient text or through the work of his own mind, for him to write about a rock craved as a tomb on Mars to resemble a "face" of the Anunnaki resting within...certainly makes one think that there must be more....
Many may find it hard to believe what's written in Hoagland and Bara's "Dark Mission", but I guess it's really all about one's experience and how each person perceives new or forgotten information which gets presented to us again and again...and it's only through intuition and discernment that the truth shall be known.
Now that it's March 2011, and right after witnessing the recent massive destruction caused by Japan's 9.0 earthquake and a 10m tsumani thereafter, reducing what used to be home towns, roads and agricultural lands to mere ruins of nothing but a mountain of waste, and in one moment of fury, Mother Nature wipes out ten of thousands of humans and animals in one go. The realisation of what nature can do, and not to mention about the on-going problems at the damaged nuclear plant, this would indeed changed one's perception and may just give us a better idea of what the authors were trying to do analysing the photos of the Moon and Mars to ascertain if they were there, and indeed were "artifical structures" of civilization long destroyed and now in ruins.
June 30, 2008
OK, so I like to occasionally read on the fringe conspiracy theory books, so shoot me. I may not even buy into the ideas but it does make for an interesting read now and then.
Richard C. Hoaglands latest book Dark Mission deals with NASAs hidden agenda in the space program and what they choose to to tell or not tell the public about the moon and Mars.
Honestly, some of the pictures Hoagland claims as proof of "ruins" on the moon just look like pixelated fuzz to me, however, at the very least this book does reveal a disturbing trend in NASA to withhold information that could potentially reshape our view of the space program.
Many of his sources are ex members of NASA who are whistle blowers. I really doubt the validity of some claims this book makes, but at the very least, it does raise interesting points about why NASA has decided to edit so many of the photographs of Mars and the moon.
Richard C. Hoaglands latest book Dark Mission deals with NASAs hidden agenda in the space program and what they choose to to tell or not tell the public about the moon and Mars.
Honestly, some of the pictures Hoagland claims as proof of "ruins" on the moon just look like pixelated fuzz to me, however, at the very least this book does reveal a disturbing trend in NASA to withhold information that could potentially reshape our view of the space program.
Many of his sources are ex members of NASA who are whistle blowers. I really doubt the validity of some claims this book makes, but at the very least, it does raise interesting points about why NASA has decided to edit so many of the photographs of Mars and the moon.
October 5, 2009
Dark Mission by Richard C. Hoagland and Mike Bara has to be the most astounding book I have ever read. If only a fraction of it proves true, it will still be a stunning revelation.
Read the full review on my blog Boychik Lit
Read the full review on my blog Boychik Lit
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2021
Все что нужно знать о содержании книги:
НАСА отправляло астронавтов на Луну в археологическую разведывательную миссию, пытаясь найти утраченную силу богов, которая судя по всему располагается где-то между 19,5 и 33 градусом))))
НАСА основано МАГАМИ-МАСОНАМИ-НАЦИКАМИ, всеми вместе судя по 200-ам страницам описания мифов-легенд-архивов и прочей лабудени....
Короче, читал и рыдал!
Новое понятие в моей жизни - «ячеистая аркология» (архитектура+Экология). Епт, ячеистая аркология в Солнечной системе на Марсе!
В такие моменты перед глазами отчетливо проплывают «лучшие» статьи из желтых газетенок, а-ля «спидинфо».... кстати, куда подевалось «спидинфо», не видно на прилавках!
НАСА отправляло астронавтов на Луну в археологическую разведывательную миссию, пытаясь найти утраченную силу богов, которая судя по всему располагается где-то между 19,5 и 33 градусом))))
НАСА основано МАГАМИ-МАСОНАМИ-НАЦИКАМИ, всеми вместе судя по 200-ам страницам описания мифов-легенд-архивов и прочей лабудени....
Короче, читал и рыдал!
Новое понятие в моей жизни - «ячеистая аркология» (архитектура+Экология). Епт, ячеистая аркология в Солнечной системе на Марсе!
В такие моменты перед глазами отчетливо проплывают «лучшие» статьи из желтых газетенок, а-ля «спидинфо».... кстати, куда подевалось «спидинфо», не видно на прилавках!
June 13, 2020
A very interesting read. Lots of history on the Apollo missions, cover-ups, retouched photos, Masonic involvement with Nasa and space missions. Lots of photos.
June 20, 2020
Full disclosure, I did not read the entire book. It was too bad. I read about half after skipping to sections that I hoped would be interesting.
This book has many problems which go beyond the content. The writing style is amateurish with an overuse of quotation marks, contradictions and hyperbole. Almost every scientific term and point of discovery is placed in quotes as if the entirety of human knowledge is in question. The authors will quote from a source only to paraphrase it in the next paragraph with their slant which changes the meaning of the original source. They make tortured claims collusion and suppression followed by brags of great accomplishments in debates, presentations and tv appearances.
As far as conspiracy theories go, this book is just awful. One of their proposed theories is a tired rehash of secret world governments run by templar and masons. All of their alien artifacts and ruined cities are based on evidence from pictures taken in the 1970's which were clearly debunked on later missions. In cruel irony, they show newer pictures which have been blurred in an attempt to twist what they show. Some of their claims are too large to be remotely believable and directly contradicted by experience. Example being massive structures on the moon, so large that amateur telescopes would see it, but they can't because it's invisible.
There are good conspiracy theories surrounding NASA and the exploration of the solar system. This book is not one of them.
This book has many problems which go beyond the content. The writing style is amateurish with an overuse of quotation marks, contradictions and hyperbole. Almost every scientific term and point of discovery is placed in quotes as if the entirety of human knowledge is in question. The authors will quote from a source only to paraphrase it in the next paragraph with their slant which changes the meaning of the original source. They make tortured claims collusion and suppression followed by brags of great accomplishments in debates, presentations and tv appearances.
As far as conspiracy theories go, this book is just awful. One of their proposed theories is a tired rehash of secret world governments run by templar and masons. All of their alien artifacts and ruined cities are based on evidence from pictures taken in the 1970's which were clearly debunked on later missions. In cruel irony, they show newer pictures which have been blurred in an attempt to twist what they show. Some of their claims are too large to be remotely believable and directly contradicted by experience. Example being massive structures on the moon, so large that amateur telescopes would see it, but they can't because it's invisible.
There are good conspiracy theories surrounding NASA and the exploration of the solar system. This book is not one of them.
January 23, 2016
O.K.. There are conspiracy theories and then there are conspiracy theories, but this one could be the mother of all conspiracy theories. The publisher lists the book as "non-fiction" ...I don't know, I'm really struggling here. There seems to be such a mix of truth and fiction in the book that it's hard to tell where one begins and another leaves off. I love grail mythology and "Dark Mission" sort of fits into the genre, but this is a mythology that seems to absorb every other popular conspiracy of the twentieth century the way a dry sponge sucks up water. Still, I find myself drawn to certain parts of the story. I certainly understand and sypathize with the "religion of science" view that the author expresses. The religious nature of science today surrounds us in its every discipline. Like the author, I also am convinced that the vast sums NASA spent on missions to Mars had much more to do with the "religion of science", than with science itself. The "religion of science" is rooted in a desperate need to disprove the existance of God and the idea that our universe could have been formed by design. Enough of that though, about the book: good luck if you choose to read it. It is written at a level of detail and scientific / engineering knowledge that goes far beyond the average reader's ability to comprehend. I found, in the end, that it wasn't really worth the effort.
September 8, 2021
If anything this book is an ode to the human brain's impressive ability to impose structure where there is only static and chaos. We are somehow very adept at pointing out amazing coincidences even if these are thrown up by a near infinity of random occurrences. It's literally how living beings survive. As for the book's central thesis; Nasa's cover-up of alien artifacts on the Moon and Mars and its connection to the Egyptian pantheon.... Mmm, I dunno.
Then again, it's not a question of whether you're paranoid or not, it's are you paranoid enough?
Or is it?
Then again, it's not a question of whether you're paranoid or not, it's are you paranoid enough?
Or is it?
Read
July 29, 2011rarely do I not finish a book no matter how slow it is. This is the rare choice, I will be sending it back to the library about half done and no interest in getting it again. This is a leave on the shelf for me. Pages of convoluted sentences and I am not sure I get the point. Not one for me.
August 5, 2008
Full of revelations concerning the real men, reasons and objectives behind NASA. Did you know the first flag on the moon was NOT the US stars and stripes, but a Freemasons ritual flag? True.
May 25, 2012
Made up rubbish for the most part.
April 28, 2021
One of my favourite works of non fiction. I can still remember seeing this book on the shelf at Borders (around a decade ago when we still had a Borders where I live). I kind of knew it would be right up my alley, although the price tag was a little hefty at the time, and I was obviously wearing my cautious and penny pinching pants whenever I saw it. This is one of the few examples when I can say that I absolutely got it wrong as I'm usually pretty accurate when it comes to judging books I won't like, although I don't like many, so its not really rocket science. A couple of years later I bought it online, and that, as they say, was that.
A weighty tome, and absolutely jam packed full of information which you can read and make your mind up either way. One could easily have forgiven this for being far too dry and science-y, and with little actual entertainment value. I couldn't disagree more. The book is a page turner and then some. With personal anecdotes, stories, lies exposed and individuals nefarious deeds being unmasked, making for a highly entertaining read. Is Hoagland right about everything? I highly doubt it. Sometimes I think the man's analytical brain won't let him delve into avenues and area's of this subject matter, where the evidence, both conclusive and corroborative, is screaming out to go. Hell, if you just can't wrap your head around the fact that NASA, as well as just about every other governmental agency has at least some prior record of deception and obfuscation, then just pretend the whole thing is a rather fun and well crafted work of fiction, and you could still come away entertained by it all. Of course, I would suggest an open mind, and there is no telling where the information will lead you.
With all that is going on in the world today, the lies and cover ups of NASA are certainly far away from the minds of the alternative thinker, though the deception of the human race is a rich tapestry, and this little piece of the pie being discussed here is every bit as relevant in its own way as what is currently playing out across the headlines worldwide. Even if it seems about as far away as any two subjects could be. Comes highly recommended. 4.75/5
OmniBen.
A weighty tome, and absolutely jam packed full of information which you can read and make your mind up either way. One could easily have forgiven this for being far too dry and science-y, and with little actual entertainment value. I couldn't disagree more. The book is a page turner and then some. With personal anecdotes, stories, lies exposed and individuals nefarious deeds being unmasked, making for a highly entertaining read. Is Hoagland right about everything? I highly doubt it. Sometimes I think the man's analytical brain won't let him delve into avenues and area's of this subject matter, where the evidence, both conclusive and corroborative, is screaming out to go. Hell, if you just can't wrap your head around the fact that NASA, as well as just about every other governmental agency has at least some prior record of deception and obfuscation, then just pretend the whole thing is a rather fun and well crafted work of fiction, and you could still come away entertained by it all. Of course, I would suggest an open mind, and there is no telling where the information will lead you.
With all that is going on in the world today, the lies and cover ups of NASA are certainly far away from the minds of the alternative thinker, though the deception of the human race is a rich tapestry, and this little piece of the pie being discussed here is every bit as relevant in its own way as what is currently playing out across the headlines worldwide. Even if it seems about as far away as any two subjects could be. Comes highly recommended. 4.75/5
OmniBen.
July 23, 2025
Review of Dark Mission: The Secret History of NASA
Pros:
Hoagland dives into one of the most crucial yet ignored topics in space research — the total government monopoly over space, and how the military industrial complex and secret societies have long infiltrated NASA. The book presents several examples suggesting NASA has consistently deceived the public — hiding evidence of extraterrestrial life, manipulating images, suppressing data, and sometimes even faking communication losses with probes to dodge accountability. It exposes the possibility that NASA is just a front while the real secret space program operates in the shadows. Hoagland’s discussion of monuments on Mars, glass tubes, pyramidal geometry, and possible artificial structures on the Moon is fascinating, especially the parts on image tampering, color manipulation, and resolution downgrades.
Cons:
Hoagland mocks moon landing deniers, calling them stupid — which is both arrogant and ignorant, considering that many anomalies he points out could easily be explained if the Apollo missions were staged or selectively hidden. Claiming all oddities in Apollo photos are due to alien tech rather than studio trickery feels like a misread. While I do believe there are alien structures on the Moon (as also noted by Ingo Swann in Penetration), Hoagland often stretches credibility — like trying to find star alignments and occult symbols in every launch. The book is also bloated; the first half is gripping, but the second half drags and takes real effort to get through.
Pros:
Hoagland dives into one of the most crucial yet ignored topics in space research — the total government monopoly over space, and how the military industrial complex and secret societies have long infiltrated NASA. The book presents several examples suggesting NASA has consistently deceived the public — hiding evidence of extraterrestrial life, manipulating images, suppressing data, and sometimes even faking communication losses with probes to dodge accountability. It exposes the possibility that NASA is just a front while the real secret space program operates in the shadows. Hoagland’s discussion of monuments on Mars, glass tubes, pyramidal geometry, and possible artificial structures on the Moon is fascinating, especially the parts on image tampering, color manipulation, and resolution downgrades.
Cons:
Hoagland mocks moon landing deniers, calling them stupid — which is both arrogant and ignorant, considering that many anomalies he points out could easily be explained if the Apollo missions were staged or selectively hidden. Claiming all oddities in Apollo photos are due to alien tech rather than studio trickery feels like a misread. While I do believe there are alien structures on the Moon (as also noted by Ingo Swann in Penetration), Hoagland often stretches credibility — like trying to find star alignments and occult symbols in every launch. The book is also bloated; the first half is gripping, but the second half drags and takes real effort to get through.
August 29, 2023
I have been interested in this book for years, but just now got around to reading it. Back in the late 1990s, I believe, Hoagland and I exchanged a letter or two, and I was sent some grainy photocopies of some of what is covered in this book. At the time, I was a skeptic. After reading this, I still am.
I will admit that if half of Hoagland's evidence is true (and I believe some of it is) NASA is guilty of overtly lying to the public again and again. I'm not convinced, however, that there are structures on the moon and Mars. The photos don't convince me, and while tying the Freemasons, Nazis, the JFK assassination, and the occult into all of this makes a interesting story, the photos are what I keep coming back to.
They are of such a poor quality that I can't be sure of what I'm seeing, but what I'm seeing could be anything.
That said, the photos NASA has doctored don't give me much faith in its official word, either. So what is going on? I hope we find out before I die because this is a mystery that fascinates me.
I will admit that if half of Hoagland's evidence is true (and I believe some of it is) NASA is guilty of overtly lying to the public again and again. I'm not convinced, however, that there are structures on the moon and Mars. The photos don't convince me, and while tying the Freemasons, Nazis, the JFK assassination, and the occult into all of this makes a interesting story, the photos are what I keep coming back to.
They are of such a poor quality that I can't be sure of what I'm seeing, but what I'm seeing could be anything.
That said, the photos NASA has doctored don't give me much faith in its official word, either. So what is going on? I hope we find out before I die because this is a mystery that fascinates me.
December 31, 2020
First off, it absolutely needs an editor. Could have easily been 200 pages less. I found myself skimming a few chapters that were tedious or redundant. Also, some of their claims about the photos - I'm just not seeing it.
BUT there are several photographs that make very compelling cases for ancient ruins on Mars and the Moon. And this book demonstrates that NASA clearly has taken billions upon billions of dollars from the taxpayers over the years, and given us half truths, lies, misinformstion and doctored data in return.
The Masonic piece ended up being far more interesting than expected. I don't know what it all means, but there are some oddly specific connections between the Freemasons and NASA that just can't be ignored.
Overall, a very worthwhile read.
BUT there are several photographs that make very compelling cases for ancient ruins on Mars and the Moon. And this book demonstrates that NASA clearly has taken billions upon billions of dollars from the taxpayers over the years, and given us half truths, lies, misinformstion and doctored data in return.
The Masonic piece ended up being far more interesting than expected. I don't know what it all means, but there are some oddly specific connections between the Freemasons and NASA that just can't be ignored.
Overall, a very worthwhile read.
July 8, 2022
The Brookings Institution did not want American citizens to panic when evidence of extraterrestrial life was discovered as they did on October 30, 1938 when the public thought that the War of the Worlds radio broadcast was actually happening. To support this, any evidence of such life was hastily covered up to prevent the citizenry from freaking out. Apparently all the astronauts who walked on the moon had a post-hypnotic suggestion implanted so they could not comment on how they felt as they walked on the moon. These and more "facts" are presented by Mr. Hoagland and Mr. Bara in their voluminous work. The Masons were also involved as were the ancient Egyptians and the stars in the constellation Orion. Are their facts correct, did all of this really happen? Unknown at this time.
September 2, 2024
Lots of Problems ?
I rather wish that The book was broken or subdivided into several books, each a duplicate of The proceeding one, with The first book consisting of only The strongest arguments, while The second book would indulge in slightly more speculation, then finally; The last version would be The most ridiculous !
Also; much of The presented arguments depend upon or are founded on photographic ‘evidence’; but these are all of The lowest imaginable quality, or are so throughly‘processed’ that interpreting what they are actually of, is wildly crazy.
Although Hoagland believes we actually sent myn to The moon, much of his evidence strongly contradicts this, & supports The opposite theory !
( ? )
I rather wish that The book was broken or subdivided into several books, each a duplicate of The proceeding one, with The first book consisting of only The strongest arguments, while The second book would indulge in slightly more speculation, then finally; The last version would be The most ridiculous !
Also; much of The presented arguments depend upon or are founded on photographic ‘evidence’; but these are all of The lowest imaginable quality, or are so throughly‘processed’ that interpreting what they are actually of, is wildly crazy.
Although Hoagland believes we actually sent myn to The moon, much of his evidence strongly contradicts this, & supports The opposite theory !
( ? )
August 10, 2017
Ce livre est géant à lire tellement il est un archétype du livre pour conspirationniste...
- Il y a de la vie ailleurs dans l'espace... ;
- Il y en avait sur Mars et sur la Lune ;
- Ils y ont laissés des ruines... ;
- La NASA le sait et cache l'information... ;
- Ils y a une secte occulte au sein de la NASA qui planifie les missions en fonction de rituels ayant une origine dans l'histoire égyptienne ancienne... ;
- les astronautes qui se sont posés sur la Lune n'ont rien dit car ils sont probablement hypnotisés...
Cela aurait pu être un bon roman de SF mais comme enquête vérité, malgré de nombreuses photos, ce n'est guère convaincant...
- Il y a de la vie ailleurs dans l'espace... ;
- Il y en avait sur Mars et sur la Lune ;
- Ils y ont laissés des ruines... ;
- La NASA le sait et cache l'information... ;
- Ils y a une secte occulte au sein de la NASA qui planifie les missions en fonction de rituels ayant une origine dans l'histoire égyptienne ancienne... ;
- les astronautes qui se sont posés sur la Lune n'ont rien dit car ils sont probablement hypnotisés...
Cela aurait pu être un bon roman de SF mais comme enquête vérité, malgré de nombreuses photos, ce n'est guère convaincant...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2024
Dark Mission: The Secret History of NASA by Richard C. Hoagland is an outstanding book filled with incredible intellect and groundbreaking discoveries. The depth of research and the provocative ideas presented make it a must-read for anyone curious about the hidden aspects of space exploration. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and believe everyone should read it and begin to question the narratives we take for granted. It’s a truly thought-provoking journey into the unknown. Highly recommended!
March 16, 2024
This book is a must, you will enjoy every bit of it. If you are interested in the mysteries of Mars and the moon, the doings and undoings of NASA, and the origin of the Anunnaki, please purchase it and read it.
Despite the fact that a lot has developed since then, those are the basics, one needs to read this.
Despite the fact that a lot has developed since then, those are the basics, one needs to read this.
April 7, 2019
It’s interesting...not true, but it’s still interesting hahahaha
April 28, 2021
It was alright. Pretty slow but that usual for these types.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews