The U.S. government has investigated unidentified aerial phenomena through a succession of classified and public programs since at least 2007. These are the key organizations — past and present — driving UAP investigation, disclosure, and advocacy.
U.S. Government Programs
A series of DoD and intelligence programs have investigated UAP, each building on — or replacing — its predecessor. The current body is AARO, established in 2022.
AAWSAP
Advanced Aerospace Weapon System Applications Program
🔴 Historical · DIA · 2007–2012
The DIA-funded predecessor to AATIP, contracted to Bigelow Aerospace Advanced Space Studies (BAASS). Investigated UAP, consciousness phenomena, and anomalous events at Skinwalker Ranch. Budget: ~$22M. Documented in Skinwalkers at the Pentagon (Lacatski, Kelleher, Knapp).
Key figures: James Lacatski (program manager), Robert Bigelow (contractor)
AATIP
Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program
🔴 Historical · DoD/DIA · 2007–2012
The DoD’s classified UAP investigation program, revealed publicly in December 2017 by the New York Times. Produced threat assessments and studied UAP videos including Nimitz (FLIR1), Gimbal, and Go Fast. Its existence triggered the modern UAP disclosure movement.
Key figures: Luis Elizondo (director), Jay Stratton
UAPTF
UAP Task Force
🔴 Historical · DoD/Navy · 2020–2022
Established August 2020 by Deputy Secretary of Defense David Norquist. Produced the landmark June 2021 ODNI Preliminary Assessment — the first unclassified government UAP report, covering 144 incidents. Replaced by AARO in 2022.
Key figure: Jay Stratton (first director)
AARO
All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office
🟢 Active · DoD · 2022–present
The current U.S. government UAP investigation body, established July 2022 under the FY2022 NDAA. Operates across air, space, sea, and transmedium domains. Runs the PURSUE declassification portal and publishes annual reports to Congress.
Key figures: Sean Kirkpatrick (director 2022–23), Tim Gallaudet (acting 2024)
Congressional
UAP Caucus
Congressional UAP Caucus
🟢 Active · U.S. House · 2022–present
A bipartisan caucus formed in 2022 to advance UAP transparency legislation. Key members organized the July 26, 2023 public hearing featuring David Grusch, Ryan Graves, and David Fravor, and drove UAP disclosure language into the 2024 NDAA.
Key members: Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN), Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), Rep. Eric Burlison (R-MO)
Senate UAP Provisions
Senate Armed Services Committee — UAP provisions
🟢 Active · U.S. Senate · ongoing
The Senate’s primary vehicle for UAP legislation through the annual NDAA. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand authored the AARO establishment language in FY2022. Sens. Schumer and Rounds co-sponsored the UAP Disclosure Act of 2023, which passed in modified form in the FY2024 NDAA.
Key members: Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD)
Private & Civilian
To The Stars Academy
To The Stars Academy of Arts & Science (TTSA)
🟡 Semi-active · Private · 2017–present
Founded by Tom DeLonge in 2017 with former intelligence and DoD officials. TTSA obtained and released the three UAP videos (FLIR1, Gimbal, Go Fast) that triggered the 2017 New York Times exposé and forced official government acknowledgment of UAP.
Key figures: Tom DeLonge, Luis Elizondo, Christopher Mellon, Harold Puthoff
Americans for Safe Aerospace
Americans for Safe Aerospace (ASA)
🟢 Active · Civilian · 2023–present
Founded by Ryan Graves in 2023 to advocate for UAP transparency through an aviation safety lens. Focuses on pilot reporting culture and stigma reduction. 8,200+ members as of 2024.
Key figure: Ryan Graves (founder)
Scientific Coalition for UAP Studies
Scientific Coalition for UAP Studies (SCU)
🟢 Active · Civilian / Academic · 2017–present
A non-profit of scientists, engineers, and researchers applying rigorous scientific methodology to UAP investigation. Published peer-reviewed analyses including a detailed study of the 2013 Aguadilla, Puerto Rico incident captured on U.S. Customs and Border Protection thermal video.
Key figures: Robert Powell (co-founder), Larry Hancock