NASAJuly 21, 1977Carter Administration — NASA UFO inquiry (NARA / Carter Presidential Library)

Carter Administration — NASA UFO Correspondence (Press–Frosch, 1977)

Washington, D.C.

Summary

This memo from July 21, 1977, includes correspondence between Frank Press, a science advisor to President Carter, and NASA Administrator Robert Frosch regarding UFO research. Press suggested convening a panel due to the time since the Condon report, but Frosch declined, stating NASA would not pursue research or hold a symposium on the topic.

Key highlights

Frank Press suggested forming a panel to investigate new UFO findings.p.2
“I believe that a small panel of inquiry could be formed”
NASA's final response indicated a lack of tangible evidence for UFOs.p.12
“there is an absence of tangible or physical evidence available”
NASA's structure complicated decision-making regarding UFO inquiries.p.4
“It is not clear in the end just where the policy... originated.”

Outliers

NASA's reluctance was influenced by concerns over public perception.p.2
“NASA seems to fear that the reopening of the question... will legitimize a subject... considered phony.”

Source

Journal of Scientific Exploration — Henry (1988), reproducing White House and NASA letters
Document reproduction by R. C. Henry (Johns Hopkins University); underlying US Government letters are public domain.
Underlying government correspondence: no known restrictions. Academic framing by Henry, Pergamon Press, 1988.

View on Journal of Scientific Exploration — Henry (1988), reproducing White House and NASA letters →

How records are sourced →