2023 NASA UAP Study Report

  Scientific Approach

NASA's external study team released its findings in September 2023, noting that most current data on UAP lacks quality for rigorous analysis.¹

The report urged open data sharing and proposed leveraging civilian and commercial sensors for future research.²³ It also encouraged removing the stigma around reporting unusual observations.⁴⁵⁶⁷⁸

  Study Context and Scope

In 2022, NASA assembled a 16-member independent team led by astrophysicist Dr. David Spergel to examine how NASA's scientific tools could enhance UAP research. The study focused on unclassified information, avoiding national security intelligence and individual case adjudication. Dr. Daniel P. Evans from NASA's Science Mission Directorate served as the NASA lead.

The team analyzed multiple data sources including civil aviation records, space-based observations, ground sensors, and public reports. Their investigation revealed significant limitations in current data collection methods, from metadata gaps in aviation tracking to resolution constraints in satellite imagery.

  Key Technical Findings

Earth and Space Observation Network

NASA's existing satellite fleet can serve as a global "context camera" for UAP investigations. While satellites like Terra, Aqua, NISAR, and GOES cannot directly observe small UAP targets, they provide critical environmental data around reported events.

This includes wind patterns, cloud thickness, ocean conditions, surface motion, and electromagnetic measurements. Commercial satellite constellations with sub-meter optical imaging and synthetic-aperture radar capabilities offer additional situational coverage.

Data Quality and Standardization

The investigation identified data quality as the primary limitation in UAP research. Most existing files lack proper sensor calibration, complete metadata, or multi-point observations. The study recommends implementing NASA's rigorous standards:

• Laboratory calibration protocols
• Precise timestamping systems
• Complete instrument logging
• FAIR data standard compliance
• Purpose-built sensor packages with rapid-response capabilities

Artificial Intelligence Applications

The report emphasizes two key AI approaches for UAP detection:

1. Template matching for known signal patterns
2. Background-model deviation analysis for unknown phenomena

Success requires establishing a comprehensive baseline of normal observations including aircraft, balloons, drones, meteors, and birds across multiple sensor bands. The study recommends extending AARO's existing catalog to include civil and commercial instrument data.

Public Engagement and Reporting

The panel identified witness reluctance as a significant obstacle to data collection. Recommended solutions include:

• Development of a government-managed smartphone application capturing video, magnetometer, gyroscope, and GPS data
• Enhancement of the Aviation Safety Reporting System for structured UAP reporting
• Creation of confidential reporting channels for commercial pilots

Scientific Analysis Framework

The study establishes a physics-based analytical framework centered on flight safety parameters. This approach enables:

• Calculation of actual velocities and accelerations using radar and infrared data
• Integration of wind patterns and atmospheric conditions
• Analysis of object performance relative to known aircraft capabilities
• Real-time assessment of anomalous movements

  Implementation Strategy

Following the report, NASA took several decisive actions:

• Appointed Mark McInerney as UAP Research Director
• Initiated development of an open, anonymized UAP database
• Established standardized collection protocols for various observation platforms
• Planned targeted observation campaigns using advanced sensor systems

The agency committed approximately $3 million in the FY 2025 budget request for database development and sensor package pilots.

  Future Research Directions

The study outlined six key recommendations:

1. Integration of AI/ML capabilities for real-time anomaly detection
2. Deployment of high-frame-rate multispectral imaging systems
3. Implementation of citizen-science tools to expand data collection
4. Enhancement of collaboration with commercial satellite operators
5. Development of improved sensor fusion techniques
6. Establishment of standardized reporting protocols

NASA plans to issue a public progress update by Q4 2025, focusing on data quality improvements and expanded sensor coverage.

  References

1. nasa.gov ↩

2. nasa.gov ↩

3. nytimes.com ↩

4. nature.com ↩

5. en.wikipedia.org ↩

6. space.com ↩

7. theverge.com ↩

8. en.wikipedia.org ↩