16 September 2023

NASA’s Investigation into UAPs: A Comprehensive Report In June 2022, NASA embarked on a preliminary study aimed at unraveling the mysteries of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAPs). This decision underscored the importance of understanding these enigmatic phenomena, with implications for both national security and air safety. NASA’s focus in this endeavor is twofold: to identify existing data and determine the most effective means of acquiring future data, while also exploring how this information can advance our scientific comprehension of the issue. Leading this ambitious scientific undertaking was David Spergel, a distinguished figure who previously headed Princeton University’s astrophysics department. Assisting him in orchestrating the study is Daniel Evans, a senior researcher within NASA’s Science Mission Directorate. NASA’s commitment to this endeavor is driven by the goal of enhancing our understanding of UAPs through the use of the agency’s scientific expertise, state-of-the-art satellites, and advanced sensors, which are traditionally employed for monitoring Earth’s climate and observing atmospheric conditions. NASA’s involvement in the UAP study signifies a pivotal step forward in our collective efforts to unravel these mysteries. The agency brings to the table a wealth of scientific talent, as well as an array of cutting-edge satellites and sensors. These assets, originally designed for monitoring Earth’s climate and studying atmospheric conditions, are now repurposed to investigate UAPs. Notably, NASA has committed to a transparent approach, excluding any classified material from scrutiny, as this falls under the jurisdiction of the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO). At the core of NASA’s UAP study lies the UAP Independent Study Team, comprising 16 experts hailing from diverse backgrounds in science, technology, data analysis, artificial intelligence, space exploration, aerospace safety, media, and commercial innovation. It boasted of notable personalities such as Astronaut Scott Kelly and the daughter of Frank Drake – Nadia Drake, who currently works as a science journalist. This multidisciplinary team was charged with the critical task of identifying existing data related to UAPs and producing a comprehensive report. The report will serve as a roadmap, outlining how NASA can employ its scientific tools to obtain actionable data for the ongoing evaluation and categorization of UAPs. Importantly, this study is not a retrospective review of past UAP incidents but a forward-looking endeavor. NASA’s Public Discussion on UFOs On May 31st, 2023, NASA’s UAP Panel, established under the guidance of Director Bill Nelson, conducted an unprecedented public discussion dedicated to UAP. This historic event represented a significant step toward transparency and open discourse on the subject. Collaboration with ‘Five Eyes’ Partners During this momentous session, Dr. Sean Kirkpatrick, a prominent figure in AARO, presented the methodology employed by the organization to analyze UAP cases. In a revelation that captured global attention, Dr. Kirkpatrick disclosed that the Pentagon was actively collaborating with its ‘Five Eyes’ intelligence alliance partners—Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. This international cooperation underscores the gravity of the UAP issue and the determination of multiple nations to unravel its mysteries. Insights from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) The public discussion also featured a representative from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), shedding light on the FAA’s technological capabilities and their potential contribution to resolving UAP reports. Notably, it was revealed that air traffic controllers submit 3-5 UAP reports on a monthly basis. Furthermore, the period from February to March 2023 witnessed a remarkable surge in UAP reports, with over 60 cases documented. This surge was attributed to heightened vigilance following the incident involving a Chinese Spy Balloon, underscoring the need for enhanced vigilance and collaboration in addressing UAP-related phenomena. NASA’s Report is Released On September 14, 2023, NASA unveiled its highly anticipated report on UAPs. The report, while stopping short of providing definitive answers regarding the origins of UAPs, marked a significant milestone in our ongoing quest for understanding these enigmatic phenomena. During a press briefing, Bill Nelson, NASA’s director, made it clear that the study’s findings did not provide conclusive evidence of UAPs being of extraterrestrial origin. However, he candidly acknowledged the perplexing nature of UAPs, stating that there was still much that remained unknown about these airborne anomalies. Dr. Nicola Fox, the associate administrator for NASA’s science mission directorate, made a significant announcement during the briefing. NASA revealed its intention to establish a permanent department dedicated to the study of UAPs, signaling the agency’s commitment to unravelling the mysteries surrounding these phenomena. In addition, NASA disclosed its plans to establish a crucial liaison with the Aerial Anomaly Research Organization (AARO), recognizing the importance of collaboration in addressing UAP-related matters. The agency appointed a director to lead this groundbreaking UAP research effort, and while Dr. Fox did not initially disclose the director’s identity, NASA later identified the individual as Mark McInerney in an updated news release. Mr. McInerney had previously served as NASA’s liaison with the Department of Defense for U.A.P. issues, showcasing his expertise in this field. His extensive background includes roles within NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the National Hurricane Center. The newly appointed director will play a pivotal role in several key areas: 1. Centralization of Resources and Data: One of the director’s primary responsibilities will be to centralize communications, resources, and data analytical capabilities across the federal government. This centralized approach aims to establish a robust database for the evaluation of UAP-related information. 2. Leveraging NASA’s Expertise: NASA intends to harness its expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and space-based observation tools for UAP investigations. These advanced technologies will be instrumental in analyzing and understanding the nature of UAPs. 3. Coordination with Federal Bodies: The director will serve as NASA’s primary point of contact for UAP research with other federal agencies, with a particular focus on collaborating with AARO. This coordinated effort seeks to ensure that UAP investigations are carried out collectively and efficiently. In the pursuit of comprehensive data collection and analysis, NASA also announced its intention to engage with the public and commercial pilots. By actively involving these stakeholders, NASA aims to improve data gathering and advance