NASA UAP Study Panel
Background
The NASA Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Independent Study Team (UAPIST) was a panel of 16 experts assembled in June 2022 by the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The team was chaired by David Spergel, president of the Simons Foundation and former chair of the astrophysics department at Princeton University.
Mandate and Approach
The team operated according to NASA's principles of openness, transparency, and scientific integrity.
- Examined UAPs from a scientific perspective using unclassified data only
- Synthesized data from civilian government entities, commercial sources, and non-profit organizations
- Developed recommendations for how NASA could contribute to federal UAP research efforts
- Operated as a community-based, interdisciplinary forum with diverse expertise in science, technology, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and aerospace safety
- Members were appointed in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act and subject to government ethics rules
Key Activities and Contributions
The team's work focused on identifying and analyzing available scientific data.
- Analyzed current UAP data collection efforts, finding them to be unsystematic and fragmented across agencies
- Recommended methods for improved UAP observation and data collection using calibrated scientific instruments
- Advised NASA to leverage its technological expertise, Earth-observing assets, and artificial intelligence capabilities
- Proposed establishing robust databases for future UAP evaluation and analysis
- Recommended that NASA appoint a Director of UAP Research to centralize communications and coordinate with the whole-of-government approach
Final Report and Impact
The team completed its final report in mid-2023, which was released publicly following a full public meeting in May 2023. The findings and recommendations were intended to inform NASA's ongoing contributions to federal UAP research efforts and support the broader interagency coordination led by the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO).