What is the Pentagon's UAP Task Force finding after Project Blue Book ended?
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
The Pentagon's All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) continues the work of Project Blue Book, logging 757 UAP reports in one year and focusing on aviation safety risks.
Key Takeaways
- •Project Blue Book (1952-1969) concluded that UFOs posed no national security threat, with 701 of 12,618 reports remaining unexplained.
- •The Pentagon's AARO (All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office) is the modern successor, logging 757 UAP reports between May 2023 and June 2024.
- •Commercial aviation safety is a primary concern, with pilots reporting a growing number of UAP sightings, including a notable 'near miss' incident.
- •The majority of UAP reports are resolved as misidentified objects, such as airborne clutter, balloons, and Starlink satellites.
The United States government has long tracked unexplained aerial events. This effort began with UFO sightings and has evolved over decades.
The current focus is on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP). This shift reflects a broader, more technical approach to the issue.
The Legacy of Project Blue Book
The US Air Force (USAF) ran Project Blue Book from 1952 to 1969. It was the longest-running UFO sightings investigation. Its goal was to determine if UFOs posed a national security threat.
The project collected 12,618 reports during its operation. The USAF concluded that most were misidentified aerial objects. These included natural phenomena or conventional aircraft. Only 701 reports remained officially "unidentified". Ultimately, the USAF found no evidence of extraterrestrial vehicles. The project's records are now held by the National Archives.
The Modern UAP Investigation
After Blue Book, formal government investigation largely ceased. This changed with the creation of the Pentagon UAP Task Force (UAPTF). This body was later replaced by the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) in July 2022.
AARO's mandate is to investigate UAP across all domains. This includes air, sea, space, and land. The office prioritizes assessing potential risks to national security threat and commercial aviation safety.
A New Era of Data Collection
Reporting has increased significantly in recent years. A recent Pentagon report documented 757 new UAP cases. These reports were received between May 2023 and June 2024. The majority of these incidents occurred in the air domain.
However, AARO has consistently found no empirical evidence of alien technology. Many cases are resolved as misidentified aerial objects. These objects include balloons, birds, and airborne clutter.
Impact on Commercial Aviation Safety
The rise in UAP reports directly impacts the aviation industry. Commercial pilots are reporting a growing number of sightings. These events can cause confusion and distraction in the cockpit.
One notable case involved a commercial airline crew. They reported a "near miss" with a "cylindrical object". This incident occurred over the Atlantic Ocean near New York. Such events highlight the potential for mid-air collision risks.
Pilot Reporting and Misidentification
Standardized UAP pilot reporting is critical for safety data. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has updated its Air Traffic Control (ATC) handbook. This change incorporates UAP reporting into the safety process. Pilots can also submit anonymous reports to NASA’s Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS).
One major source of confusion is Starlink satellite sightings. The large number of these low-Earth orbit satellites often leads to misidentification. Pilots may mistake their unique movements for anomalous phenomena. AARO and the FAA continue to work together. Their goal is to standardize data collection and mitigate safety risks. The focus remains on flight safety and national security.
Trusted commercial aviation news and airline industry reporting are available at flying.flights. Get the latest updates on major hubs, regional terminals, and airport operations via the Airports section at flying.flights/airports.
Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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