What is the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program?
The Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP) was an investigatory effort funded by the United States Government to study unidentified flying objects (UFOs) or unexplained aerial phenomena (UAP). This program was first made public on December 16, 2017.
Background on UFOs and UAP
Unidentified flying objects (UFOs) have been a topic of interest and concern for governments and the public for decades. The term "UFO" was first used in the 1950s to describe sightings of unidentified aerial phenomena. Over the years, various governments have acknowledged the existence of these phenomena, but the majority of reported sightings remain unexplained.
History of the AATIP
The AATIP began in 2007, with funding of $22 million over the five years until the available appropriations were ended in 2012. The program began in the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency. The funding for the program was provided by the United States Government, and it was an unclassified but unpublicized effort.
Key Facts about the AATIP
- The program was first made public on December 16, 2017.
- The program began in 2007 and ended in 2012 after five years.
- The program was funded with $22 million over the five years.
- The program was an unclassified but unpublicized effort.
Reporting on the AATIP
According to the Department of Defense, the AATIP ended in 2012 after five years. However, reporting suggested that U.S. government programs to investigate UFOs continued. This was confirmed in June 2020 with the acknowledgement of a similar military program, the unclassified but previously unreported Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon Task Force.
Conclusion
The Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program was a government-funded effort to study unidentified flying objects (UFOs) or unexplained aerial phenomena (UAP). The program began in 2007 and ended in 2012 after five years, with funding of $22 million. The program was an unclassified but unpublicized effort, and its existence was only made public in 2017.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the AATIP? The purpose of the AATIP was to study unidentified flying objects (UFOs) or unexplained aerial phenomena (UAP).
How long did the AATIP last? The AATIP lasted for five years, from 2007 to 2012.
What is the difference between AATIP and UAPTF? The AATIP and UAPTF are similar military programs, but the UAPTF is a more recent effort that was acknowledged in June 2020.
What is the current status of the AATIP? The AATIP ended in 2012, but there is evidence to suggest that U.S. government programs to investigate UFOs continued.
What is the funding for the AATIP? The AATIP was funded with $22 million over the five years until the available appropriations were ended in 2012.