Shawn Dutton

Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Committee 5/31/23 4-hour Meeting Daniel Evans – Asst Deputy Associate Administrator, Science Research NASA Daniel Evans paid a heartfelt tribute to Air Force Master Sergeant Sam Sato, who was laid to rest During a solemn event at Arlington Cemetery on May 31, 2023. Sergeant Sato, a distinguished veteran, had served as an aviation intelligence manager, specializing in UAP analysis. In his address, Daniel expressed gratitude to Bill Nelson, the Administrator of NASA, acknowledging his support and recognition of the significance of the UAP phenomenon. Daniel recognized the crucial role played by NASA in advancing our understanding of these mysterious Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP). Moreover, Daniel took the opportunity to shed light on the distressing issue of online harassment faced by committee members involved in UAP research. He revealed that some committee members had received threats, necessitating the involvement of NASA security. This unfortunate reality highlights the challenges and obstacles faced by individuals working in this field, where passionate debates can sometimes devolve into harmful behaviors. Daniel emphasized the importance of understanding group dynamics in navigating these complexities. He emphasized the need for respectful and constructive dialogue among researchers, analysts, and the wider community. By fostering an environment of collaboration and open-mindedness, progress can be made in comprehending UAPs while also safeguarding the well-being and security of those involved in the investigation. Overall, Daniel's tribute not only honored the memory of Air Force Master Sergeant Sam Sato but also served as a reminder of the dedication and perseverance required in the face of adversity. It called for unity, empathy, and a shared commitment to unraveling the mysteries surrounding UAPs. Dr Nikki Fox – Associate Administrator for Science, NASA Dr. Niki Fox delved into a comprehensive discussion on the profound impact that threats and disruptions can have on group dynamics. One notable consequence highlighted by Dr. Fox is the exacerbation of stigma within the UAP (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena) field due to harassment. This pervasive issue not only hampers the progress of scientific endeavors but also dissuades potential researchers from engaging with this crucial subject matter. The detrimental effects of harassment extend beyond hindering scientific processes; they impede the public's right to access knowledge emanating from the scientific, aeronautics, and data analytics communities. During the discourse, Dr. Fox shed light on both classified and unclassified information surrounding UAPs, emphasizing the need for transparency and understanding in addressing this phenomenon. Additionally, the concept of "Quick look data" was introduced, underscoring its relevance in the pursuit of comprehending UAPs and the importance of swiftly analyzing and interpreting relevant data. Dr. Fox also presented a thought-provoking Roadmap for UAP studies, outlining a strategic framework to guide future research endeavors. This roadmap encompasses various aspects, including scientific methodologies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the integration of advanced technologies. As a valuable resource, Dr. Fox provided two insightful links to further explore and expand one's knowledge in this domain. These resources serve as invaluable references for individuals seeking to delve deeper into the multifaceted realm of UAPs and the ongoing efforts to comprehend them. Link 1. Data.gov Link 2. https://data.nasa.gov/ David Spergel – During his presentation, David Spergel emphasized the necessity of developing a comprehensive roadmap for studying and comprehending Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAPs). This roadmap serves as a strategic framework, guiding researchers, and investigators in their pursuit of unraveling the mysteries surrounding UAPs. In an intriguing development, Spergel mentioned an Australian Observatory team that was engaged in tracking radio signals, particularly Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs). Surprisingly, they discovered that they were receiving additional signals during lunchtime. Upon investigation, it was determined that the microwave door was opened prematurely, causing interference, and generating these unexpected signals. This amusing incident highlights the importance of meticulous observation and scrutiny when conducting scientific research, as even seemingly mundane factors can impact data collection and analysis. Spergel's mention of this incident serves as a reminder that thoroughness and attention to detail are vital in any scientific endeavor, especially when exploring phenomena as enigmatic as UAPs. By adhering to rigorous methodologies and maintaining a meticulous approach, researchers can strive for accurate and reliable results, ultimately contributing to a deeper understanding of UAPs and their origins. Sean Kirkpatrick AARO (Director All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office) In his presentation, Sean Kirkpatrick, from the All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), discussed several key points related to UAP investigations. One significant observation he made was that the majority of UAP sightings originate from pilots operating at the same altitude as the object, as this is where the sensors are primarily located. He highlighted the absence of space or maritime records, emphasizing the importance of pilot reports in understanding UAP encounters. Sean further elaborated on the distinction between commercial and military sensors, pointing out that Department of Defense (DoD) sensors are specifically designed to detect potential threats or weapons. This disparity underscores the need to consider the context and capabilities of different sensor systems when evaluating UAP sightings. During the presentation, Sean provided examples of closed investigations, shedding light on specific cases. One instance involved a misinterpretation by a pilot during a P-3 training mission, where three planes further away appeared to be coming in for a landing at a nearby airport. These examples demonstrated the importance of thorough investigations to uncover the truth behind reported UAP incidents. Sean's presentation included slides illustrating the work conducted by AARO, with a particular focus on research and testing. He mentioned a three-month observation period and recommended involving NASA in the scientific and academic aspects of UAP investigations. Throughout the presentation, Sean was called back to the stage multiple times to provide additional clarification and insight. In terms of UAP report volumes, Sean stated that out of approximately 100 reports received per month, only 2 to 5 are potentially worthy of further investigation by AARO. This highlights the importance of rigorous assessment and prioritization when dealing with the large number of reported UAP incidents. Additionally, Sean acknowledged the collaboration among the "Five Eyes" (FVEY) intelligence bloc, countries (UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the USA) in sharing information and collaborating on UAP-related matters. Sean also mentioned the concept of citizen science, noting that uncalibrated data provided by the public is often poorly characterized and not well curated. This underscores the challenges associated with incorporating unverified and unstructured data into scientific investigations. Overall, Sean Kirkpatrick's presentation provided valuable insights into the intricacies and complexities surrounding UAP investigations, highlighting the need for comprehensive research, collaboration, and discernment in analyzing reported sightings. Mike Freie – Technical Advisor, Air Traffic Surveillance Services Office FAA During his presentation, Mike Freie focused on the FAA radar and its role in surveillance services. He began by discussing the mission of the FAA and how their sensors are utilized for this purpose. The FAA mission slide highlighted the key objectives and responsibilities of the organization. The presentation continued with a slide titled "FAA Mission: By the Numbers," which provided statistical information relevant to their mission. This slide aimed to showcase the scale and scope of the FAA's operations and their commitment to ensuring aviation safety and efficiency. Mike then shifted the focus to surveillance services, delving into different types of surveillance employed by the FAA. A specific slide highlighted radar as one of the primary tools used for surveillance purposes. This section explored the radar's capabilities and its significance in tracking and monitoring various airborne objects. The discussion progressed to address the operation of drones and balloons, emphasizing that these devices are designed to operate without interfering with the normal functioning of radar systems. This clarification sought to address any concerns regarding potential conflicts between radar operations and the use of drones or balloons. To further explain the concept, a slide referred to as the "Eye Chart" showcased the large sensors located within FAA radar systems. This visual aid aimed to provide an understanding of the size and capacity of these sensors, highlighting their importance in radar operations. Another slide covered the radar's line of sight coverage, which explained the nature of the target objects that can be detected by radar systems. This segment aimed to provide insight into the range and limitations of radar surveillance. The presentation then moved on to discuss the coverage provided by Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) technology. This section highlighted the utilization of ADS-B for tracking and monitoring aircraft movements. In the context of surveillance, Mike briefly touched upon the use of drones and balloons, shedding light on their respective applications and relevance in the aviation landscape. Overall, Mike Freie's presentation on the FAA radar and its associated slides aimed to provide an overview of the FAA's mission, the role of radar in surveillance services, and the relationship between radar systems, drones, and balloons. Nadia Drake – Science Journalist Nadia Drake presented a framework for reporting Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAPs), addressing various aspects of the phenomenon. One significant point she raised was the recent change in terminology from "UFOs" to "UAPs" to avoid preconceived notions and to foster a more scientific approach. She highlighted that despite numerous reports, there is currently no concrete evidence of extraterrestrial origin associated with UAPs. Drake acknowledged the challenges associated with evaluating UAP reports, emphasizing that many lack sufficient credibility. This highlights the need for a rigorous and standardized reporting process to discern credible information from mere speculation or misidentification. The presentation raised the question of what recommendations could be made for NASA that differ from the capabilities of the Department of Defense (DoD). This suggests the possibility of leveraging NASA's unique expertise and resources to enhance UAP investigations in ways that the DoD may not be equipped to do. Another crucial aspect discussed was the need to define and delineate what researchers are looking for when it comes to UAPs. This entails establishing clear criteria and parameters for identifying and classifying these phenomena. The analogy of searching for a needle in a haystack was used to illustrate the challenges involved in identifying anomalous objects among the vast amount of data collected from various sources such as flights, balloons, and drones. Looking towards the future, Drake pondered the state of UAP investigations in the next 5 to 10 years. This contemplation highlights the evolving nature of the field and the anticipation of advancements in research, technology, and data analysis. The term "UAP" signifies a shift from solely focusing on aerial sightings to investigating a broader range of anomalous occurrences. Overall, Nadia Drake's presentation shed light on the framework for reporting UAPs, addressing the need for a scientific approach, the challenges in evaluating reports, the distinction between NASA and the DoD's capabilities, the importance of defining and classifying UAPs, and the evolving nature of the field as it expands beyond aerial phenomena. Paula Bontempi – Dean, Graduate of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island Paula Bontempi delivered a presentation focusing on NASA's data science initiatives, highlighting its significance in advancing scientific knowledge. She emphasized the role of NASA in conducting groundbreaking scientific research and investigations. Bontempi discussed the various methods employed by NASA in conducting their investigations, showcasing the organization's commitment to rigorous and systematic approaches. These methods ensure that scientific inquiries are conducted with precision and accuracy, leading to reliable and insightful results. The presentation emphasized the availability of discoveries and results stemming from NASA's scientific endeavors. Bontempi highlighted NASA's commitment to sharing scientific findings, promoting transparency, and contributing to the global scientific community. The dissemination of these discoveries enables broader access to valuable knowledge and fosters collaboration among researchers worldwide. In recognizing the importance of collaboration, Bontempi emphasized NASA's partnerships with various entities. These partnerships enable interdisciplinary research teams to come together, combining expertise from diverse fields to tackle complex scientific challenges. This collaborative approach enhances the depth and breadth of research conducted by NASA, fostering innovation and a deeper understanding of the universe. In summary, Paula Bontempi's presentation shed light on NASA's data science endeavors, highlighting the organization's commitment to scientific excellence, its rigorous investigation methods, the availability of discoveries and results, and the significance of collaborative partnerships in advancing scientific knowledge. Federica Bianco - Joint Professor, University of Delaware Federica Bianco delivered a presentation on the concept of crowdsourcing data, emphasizing its potential in scientific research. She discussed the importance of determining what specific data should be collected, ensuring that it adheres to certain standards and criteria. This quality control ensures that the collected data is reliable and suitable for analysis. Bianco pointed out that until information is updated and verified, it should not be incorporated into AI systems, such as ChatGPT. This cautious approach emphasizes the importance of utilizing accurate and up-to-date information to maintain the integrity and credibility of AI-driven platforms. Furthermore, Bianco highlighted the need to develop effective methods for identifying and capturing signals that are already known to exist. This pursuit involves employing innovative techniques and technologies to uncover and analyze these signals, contributing to advancements in scientific understanding. Overall, Federica Bianco's presentation emphasized the significance of crowdsourcing data, the importance of adhering to data standards, the cautious integration of information into AI systems, and the development of methods to uncover known signals. These insights highlight the potential for collaboration and innovation in scientific research through the effective utilization of data. David Grinspoon – Senior Scientist at the Planetary Science Institute David Grinspoon delivered a presentation on astrobiology, focusing on the intriguing concept of techno-existence. He discussed the notion of techno-signatures and their relevance in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI). Grinspoon explored the idea that in addition to traditional biosignatures, which are indications of biological activity, techno-signatures could provide evidence of intelligent technological civilizations. These techno-signatures may manifest as distinct signals or patterns that suggest the presence of advanced technological beings or artifacts. The presentation touched upon the significance of SETI in the quest for identifying potential techno-signatures. These organizations actively seek out and analyze signals, anomalies, and phenomena that may hint at the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence or advanced technological civilizations. Grinspoon's discussion of biosignatures acknowledged that the search for life beyond Earth encompasses not only the exploration of potential technological civilizations but also the study of biological indicators. Biosignatures offer clues about the existence of life through the detection of specific molecules or environmental conditions that are typically associated with living organisms. Overall, David Grinspoon's presentation on astrobiology delved into the intriguing concepts of techno-existence, techno-signatures, and biosignatures. By examining both technological and biological indicators, researchers, and organizations like SETI strive to broaden our understanding of potential life forms and civilizations beyond our planet. Karlin Toner – Senior Advisor, Data Policy Integration, Federal Aviation Administration Karlin Toner discussed the topic of reporting Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP), and highlighted the importance of understanding how and where to report such sightings. Toner emphasized the need for clear guidelines and accessible channels for reporting UAP incidents. By providing a straightforward and user-friendly reporting process, individuals who witness UAPs can easily share their observations, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of these phenomena. Addressing a common concern, Toner acknowledged the fear of being disbelieved or subjected to shame for reporting UAP sightings. Encouraging an open and non-judgmental environment, Toner emphasized the importance of fostering a culture that respects and values individuals who come forward with their experiences. This approach aims to alleviate concerns and encourages more people to report UAP incidents without fear of stigma or disbelief. By establishing a well-defined reporting system and promoting a supportive atmosphere, Toner highlighted the significance of empowering individuals to share their UAP encounters openly. This approach ensures that a broader range of perspectives and data are captured, facilitating a more comprehensive analysis of these phenomena. In summary, Karlin Toner's presentation underscored the necessity of creating effective channels for reporting UAP sightings, while also emphasizing the importance of creating a culture that supports and validates individuals who choose to share their experiences. By addressing these aspects, a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of UAPs can be achieved. Joshua Semeter – Director, Center for Space Physics, Boston University Joshua Semeter discussed the assessment of scientific methods employed in investigating Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAPs), focusing on a notable incident and dispelling speculation surrounding it. One of the most intriguing cases highlighted was the 2015 "Go Fast" incident involving the USS Theodore Roosevelt. Semeter mentioned that footage from this incident, commonly known as the "go fast" footage, was released to the New York Times in 2017. Speculation arose, with individuals like Steven Greer suggesting the presence of a hypersonic aircraft. However, Semeter clarified that a scientific analysis revealed that the object in question was traveling at a speed of 40 mph, matching the wind speed at that altitude. This finding demonstrated that there was no extraterrestrial aspect to the incident, dispelling the notion of a hypersonic aircraft and highlighting the importance of scientific examination in investigating UAPs. By presenting this example, Semeter emphasized the significance of applying scientific methods and analysis to evaluate UAP incidents. The case highlighted the need for a comprehensive understanding of the facts and data surrounding UAP encounters to draw accurate conclusions and avoid misleading speculation. In summary, Joshua Semeter's presentation focused on assessing the scientific methods employed in investigating UAPs, using the "Go Fast" incident as an example. The findings of scientific analysis in this case revealed the true nature of the object, debunking speculative claims and underscoring the importance of scientific scrutiny in understanding UAP encounters. Jen Buss – CEO of the Potomac Institute of Policy Studies UAP Committee tasked with 8 questions What types of scientific data currently collected and archived by NASA or other civilian government entities should be synthesized and analyzed prior to potentially shed light on the natures and origins of UAPs.? What types of scientific data currently collected and held by non – profits and companies should be synthesized and analyzed to potential shed light on the nature and origins of UAPs? What other types of scientific data should be collected by NASA to enhance the potential for developing and understanding of the nature and origin of UAPs? Which scientific analysis techniques currently in production could be employed to assess the nature and origin of UAPs? Considering all the factors above what basic physical constraints can be placed on the nature and origin of UAPs? What civilian airspace data related to UAPs have been collected by government agencies and are available for analysis to, Inform efforts to better understand the nature and origin of UAPs. Determine the risk of UAPs to the national airspace. What current reporting protocols and air traffic management data acquisition systems can be modified to acquire additional data on past and future UAPs? What potential enhancements to the future of air traffic management development efforts can be recommended to acquire data concerning future reported UAPs to assist in the effort to better address the nature and origin of UAPs? Questions and Answer segment Topics Presentation – skipped not enough time Karen Fox – Office of Communication, NASA Public Questions and Answers What is NASA hiding, and where are you hiding it? How much has been shared publicly? Has NASA ever cut the live NASA TV feed away from something? Has NASA released all UAP evidence it has ever received? What about NASA astronauts—do they have an NDA or clearance that does not allow them to speak about UAP sightings? What are the science overlords hiding?”