The Vela Flash: A Nuclear Test in the Shadows

In the early hours of September 22, 1979, a U.S. surveillance satellite detected a double flash over the South Atlantic—just like the signature of a nuclear detonation. But no one ever claimed responsibility.

This episode of Unsettled: The Hidden Record investigates the mystery of the Vela Incident, also known as the Vela Flash. The U.S. government quickly cast doubt on the event, citing possible satellite malfunction. But other intelligence reports pointed to a covert nuclear test—most likely by South Africa, Israel, or both.

Declassified memos, diplomatic cables, and radiation sampling flights all suggest a test took place. But the official record never admitted it.

Who conducted the test? Why was it buried? And what happens when truth is politically inconvenient, even to those who recorded it?