NASA_UAP_Independent_Study_Team_Final_Report_2023-09.pdf

NASA UNIDENTIFIED ANOMALOUS PHENOMENA Independent Study Team Report

Members of the NASA Unidentified Anomalous 
Phenomena Independent Study Team
Dr. Anamaria Berea
George Mason University
Dr. Federica Bianco
University of Delaware
Dr. Reggie Brothers
AE Industrial Partners 
Dr. Paula Bontempi
University of Rhode Island
Dr. Jennifer Buss
Potomac Institute of Policy Studies
Dr. Nadia Drake
Science Journalist
Mr. Mike Gold
Redwire Space
Dr. David Grinspoon
Planetary Science Institute
Capt. Scott Kelly, USN, Ret.
NASA Astronaut, Ret.
Dr. Matt Mountain
Association of Universities 
for Research and Astronomy
Mr. Warren Randolph
Federal Aviation Administration
Dr. Wa…

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY	
FOREWORD
INTRODUCTION
RESPONSES TO STATEMENT OF TASK	
OVERALL CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS	
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
WORK PRODUCTS: DISCUSSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Group Photo: Members of the NASA Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Independent Study Team.
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This is a type of lightning known as a red sprite — a phenomenon that has rarely been photographed in this 
amount of detail. Some thunderstorms produce sprites, but most do not. Photo credit: Stephane Vetter (TWAN)

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The study of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) presents a unique 
scientific opportunity that demands a rigorous, evidence-based approach. 
Addressing this challenge will require new and robust data acquisition methods, 
advanced analysis techniques, a systematic reporting framework and reducing 
reporting stigma. NASA – with its extensive expertise in these domains and 
global reputation for scientific openness – is in an excellent position to contribute 
to UAP studies within the broader whole-of-government framework led by the 
All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO). 
NASA has a…

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data-analysis techniques should therefore be leveraged to provide critical 
assistance. Once again, appropriate data collection, curation, and distribution 
are paramount; NASA, with its world-leading experience in these aspects is 
well-positioned to play a leading role.
Engaging the public is also a critical aspect of understanding UAP. The panel 
sees several advantages to augmenting data collection efforts using modern 
crowdsourcing techniques, including open-source smartphone-based apps that 
simultaneously gather imaging data and other smartphone sensor metadata 
from multiple citizen…

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An orbital sunrise photographed by an Expedition 40 crew member on the International Space Station.
FRAMEWORK OF RECOMMENDATIONS
Although AARO leads the whole-of-government response to UAP, the 
panel recommends that NASA play an essential role within that framework. 
NASA should leverage its core capabilities and expertise to determine 
whether it should take a leading or supporting role in implementing a 
given recommendation.
ORGANIZATION OF THIS REPORT
This report is organized as follows. We present a systematic response 
to the eight charge elements that formed the Terms of Reference th…

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The spectacular aurora borealis, or the “northern lights,” over Canada is sighted from the space station 
near the highest point of its orbital path.