Following an independent report urging NASA to take a more permanent role in researching unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) – or UFOs as they are more commonly referred to – the space agency recently appointed Mark McInerney as director of UAP research.
A September 14 report from NASA’s independent UAP study team stated that NASA needs to take a more permanent role in the Federal government’s UAP research effort. UAP research is largely considered pseudoscientific and often is met with scrutiny. According to the report, NASA’s involvement could help remove the taboos and stigma associated with UAPs.
The report recommended that NASA appoint a Chief of UAP Research to its team directing the space agency’s UAP research efforts.
“The director of UAP Research is a pivotal addition to NASA’s team and will provide leadership, guidance, and operational coordination for the agency and the Federal government to use as a pipeline to help identify the seemingly unidentifiable,” said Nicola Fox, associate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, during a press conference of the initial release of the report.
Most recently, McInerney served as NASA’s liaison to the Department of Defense, covering limited UAP activities for the agency.
In his new director role, McInerney will centralize communications, resources, and data analytical capabilities to establish a robust database for future UAP research or sightings.
McInerney will also leverage NASA’s expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and space-based observation tools to support and enhance the broader government initiative on UAP.
As director, he will also develop and oversee the implementation of NASA’s scientific vision for UAP research, including using NASA’s expertise to work with other agencies to analyze UAP incidents.
McInerney has been a long-time staffer at NASA since he first joined the space agency in 1996. He has served in various positions at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the National Hurricane Center.
