DIA funds the Advanced Aerospace Weapon System Applications Program (AAWSAP)
2008 – 2010 · North Las Vegas, Nevada (Bigelow Aerospace) · Government program · Primary document linked
The Defense Intelligence Agency funded AAWSAP in 2008 with about $22 million, awarded to Bigelow Aerospace Advanced Space Studies. The solicitation described 'breakthrough technology applications employed in future aerospace weapon systems' and did not mention UFOs. The contractor produced dozens of reports and also investigated UFO reports and paranormal claims, including at Skinwalker Ranch in Utah. Senator Harry Reid pushed for the funding. The DIA ended the program in 2010, and AATIP then carried on in the Pentagon.
Why it matters (3/5)
Funded DIA program that put roughly $22 million into UAP-related study through a private contractor.
Caveats
Accounts of what the contractor studied come mainly from press reports of internal contractor documents, which were not examined here. The Debrief says the reasons for ending the program are unclear. The DIA briefings and packet are listed from search results and were not opened, so their contents are not confirmed.
Sources
- DIA briefing on AAWSAP, 2008 (Defense Intelligence Agency), primary
- DIA briefing on AAWSAP, 2009 (Defense Intelligence Agency), primary
- AAWSAP final packet presented to the Deputy Secretary of Defense (Defense Intelligence Agency), primary
- Defense Intelligence Agency paid $22 million to chase UFOs and werewolves (The Debrief), context