President Carter Requests NASA UFO Investigation — NASA Refuses
President Carter requested NASA UFO investigation through advisor Frank Press; NASA rejected despite existing evidence; Air Force actively opposed.
Background
In 1977, President Jimmy Carter requested NASA to investigate UFO evidence, but NASA refused due to a lack of physical evidence. This event highlights institutional resistance to UFO research despite Carter's personal sighting.
Carter's UFO Sighting
Jimmy Carter reported a UFO in 1969 in Leary, Georgia.
- He and ten members of the Lions Club observed it.
- The object was bright, self-luminous, color-changing.
- Duration: over ten minutes.
Presidential Request
In 1977, Carter tasked his science advisor Frank Press with the request.
- Establish a 'small panel of inquiry'.
- Review UFO evidence since the Condon Report.
NASA's Response
NASA Administrator Robert Frosch initially responded enthusiastically.
He rejected the request in December 1977.
- Claim: Lacked 'bona fide physical evidence'.
Criticism of NASA
Dr. Richard C. Henry, deputy director of NASA's Astrophysics Division, criticized the rejection.
- Published essay in 1988.
- Stated Frosch's claim was 'simply false'.
- Relevant evidence existed.
Military Resistance
Colonel Charles E. Senn of the Air Force Community Relations Division wrote to NASA.
- 'I sincerely hope that you are successful in preventing a reopening of UFO investigations.'
- Reveals active military resistance to new research.