Unacknowledged Special Access Programs (USAPs)

Unacknowledged Special Access Programs (USAPs) are a type of Special Access Programs (SAPs) in the United States. Special Access Programs are sensitive activities that are so classified that even the basic aspects of the programs (like the fact that they exist) are classified.

In general, SAPs have more stringent protections and higher classification than regular classified information. They are designed to protect exceptionally sensitive information that, if disclosed, could have significant negative impact on national security. A SAP can only be established or continued with approval from the Secretary of Defense.

A “unacknowledged” Special Access Program takes this a step further. In these programs, the existence of the program itself is kept a secret, and it is typically exempt from normal reporting requirements to Congress. The idea is to keep the program entirely secret, not just from the public, but also from most people within the government itself. Only a select few individuals are authorized to be “read in” or made aware of the program’s existence.

These kinds of programs are typically associated with highly sensitive activities, such as advanced technology development, covert operations, or other activities where the need for security and secrecy is deemed exceptionally high. Given their secretive nature, it’s difficult to know specifics about any particular USAP.

1. Project Looking Glass: Allegedly related to research into advanced propulsion and possible reverse-engineering of extraterrestrial technologies.
2. The NAVY’s Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP): This program was officially acknowledged, and it was stated that it ended in 2012. However, there’s speculation that parts of this program continued under a different, unacknowledged status.
3. Project Aquarius: An alleged project associated with UFO research, speculated to be a successor or part of other unacknowledged programs investigating extraterrestrial life and technology.
4. The “TR-3B” Program: This is an alleged program to develop a triangular-shaped, anti-gravity reconnaissance aircraft.
5. Project Rainbow: An alleged project linked with the Philadelphia Experiment, a supposed military experiment rumored to have been carried out by the U.S. Navy at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1943. The purpose was purportedly to make the USS Eldridge, a naval ship, invisible to radar.
6. Project Stargate: This was an alleged USAP run by the CIA to investigate psychic phenomena, particularly remote viewing, for intelligence-gathering purposes. While parts of the project were declassified, it’s speculated that other parts may have continued as unacknowledged programs.
7. Project Sigma: Sometimes associated with UFO and conspiracy theory circles, this alleged program is said to focus on establishing and maintaining communications with extraterrestrial life forms.
8. Operation Majority: According to conspiracy theories, this is an alleged USAP that coordinates all information and operations related to extraterrestrial life and technology.
9. Project Grudge: This was an early Air Force program to investigate UFO sightings. Like Project Blue Book, some speculate that parts of this program may have continued under an unacknowledged status after the official program was terminated.
10. Project Snowbird: Allegedly a cover program to divert attention away from other, more classified aviation projects.
11. Project Pegasus: This alleged project is speculated to be related to research in time travel and teleportation.
12. Project Excalibur: Allegedly a program focused on developing a nuclear weapon that could penetrate deep underground targets.
13. Project Preserve Destiny: This is a speculated program related to psychic phenomena and consciousness, sometimes connected to the Stargate Project.
14. Project MILAB: Often mentioned in UFO theory circles, this speculated program allegedly focuses on the abduction and manipulation of humans, often in connection with extraterrestrial encounters.
15. Operation Paperclip: While not a USAP itself, it’s often speculated that Operation Paperclip, which involved the recruitment of German scientists after World War II, may have led to various unacknowledged programs related to advanced technology development.
16. Project Montauk: Allegedly a series of secret U.S. government projects conducted at Camp Hero or Montauk Air Force Station on Montauk, Long Island, with the aim of developing psychological warfare techniques and exotic research including time travel.
17. Project Highjump: Officially a U.S. Navy operation to establish the Antarctic research base Little America IV post-World War II, some speculate that the operation had secret objectives, possibly related to Nazi technology or UFOs, and may have continued under unacknowledged programs.

Ultimately, much about Unacknowledged Special Access Programs remains unknown to the public and likely will remain so, given the importance of these programs to national security. The reality of these programs likely ranges from mundane yet sensitive operations to research and development on the cutting edge of scientific and technological frontiers.