A newly released Department of War document obtained through a Freedom of Information Request request (FOIA case #24-F-1205) originally filed with U.S. Space Command (FOIA case #24-R-020), outlines the 2023 formation of a “UAP Space Tiger Team,” a coordinated effort led by the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) to address unidentified anomalous phenomena specifically within the space domain.
The document, a Joint Staff Action Processing Form dated November 20, 2023, describes a structured initiative aimed at integrating UAP considerations into space-based operations and detection frameworks.
Framework for “Spaceborne and Transmedium UAP”
The document explicitly defines the scope of the effort as extending beyond traditional aerial encounters, focusing on phenomena operating across multiple domains:
“The All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) will convene and chair a Space Tiger Team to guide the Department’s development of the space integration framework for spaceborne and transmedium UAP…”
The use of the terms “spaceborne” and “transmedium” indicates that the framework is intended to address objects or phenomena operating not only in space, but also across different physical environments.
The document further states that the effort will:
“identify opportunities for space-based UAP detection in support of other domains, and to identify reporting and deconfliction mechanisms for space-based UAP detections.”
The initiative is directly tied to legislative requirements under the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act:
“The FY23 NDAA, section 6802, directs the Department to develop processes and procedures to ensure timely and consistent reporting of UAP.”
The document also shows that participation in the Space Tiger Team was requested across multiple major commands and agencies, indicating a wide operational scope.
Among those explicitly listed are:
- U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM)
- U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM)
- North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD)
Additional participants include elements of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, and multiple intelligence agencies such as the National Reconnaissance Office and National Security Agency, as shown on page 2 of the release.
Establishing a Long-Term Operational Framework
The stated outcome of the Space Tiger Team extends beyond immediate analysis, aiming to embed UAP considerations into ongoing defense planning:
“The output from this effort will establish the foundation for normalization of the UAP and UAP-related activities within the space domain and across key commands, services, and combat support agencies…”
It further notes that the work will:
“inform USSPACECOM and U.S. Space Force development of integrated mitigation and response planning; and will set the framework for cohesively closing domain-awareness gaps and mitigating possible threats.”
Timeline and Initial Activity
The document includes a defined timeline for initial engagement:
“AARO will convene the first event on or about 12 December 2023 with additional information to follow separately.”
Participants were instructed to identify action officers prior to that date, indicating a rapid initiation of the effort following issuance of the document.
What Remains Unclear
While the document outlines structure, scope, and participating organizations, it does not provide details on specific incidents, datasets, or technologies being used within the Space Tiger Team framework.
The Black Vault has filed additional FOIA requests to uncover more about the “Space Tiger Team” and its activities. The results of those cases will be posted, when available.
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