[E. Pluribus Unum]

They casually mention the "so-called German stations in space" and no one in the room seems phased by this comment.

I interpret this to mean Germany had managed to orbit some satellites and the aerial phenomena were those satellites de-orbiting.

[chud]

I interpret this to mean Germany had managed to orbit some satellites and the aerial phenomena were those satellites de-orbiting.

If so, it would re-write history. It would mean that the Russians weren't first when they launched Sputnik.
The Germans were (assuming their satellites achieved orbit).