NASA chief and journalist clash over completeness of UAP data releases

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman claims the agency has released all unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) data under President Donald Trump's PURSUE effort, a statement disputed by journalist Ross Coulthart who cites unreleased Apollo-era film and transcripts [1, 3, 5].

The disagreement centers on whether the current disclosures are comprehensive or merely a selection of identified files. This conflict highlights the tension between official government transparency initiatives and the demands of independent investigators for raw mission data [1, 5].

NASA Claims Full Disclosure Under PURSUE Effort

NASA has participated in the Presidential Unsealing and Reporting System for UAP Encounters, or PURSUE, which seeks to release UFO and UAP files [1, 2, 10]. During an interview with Nancy Loo, Isaacman asserted that the agency has met its obligations ^[5].

"We have disclosed all of our materials as part of President Trump's PURSUE effort," Isaacman said ^[1]. He added that the agency is currently reviewing files to make them available to the public [1, 5].

The Dispute Over Apollo-Era Records and 'Blue Lights'

Ross Coulthart challenges the agency's claim, arguing that crucial records from the Apollo missions remain unseen ^[1]. He specifically cited original Apollo 17 film that is currently under review by NASA and the Pentagon [1, 3].

Isaacman acknowledged that some released Apollo 17 photographs showing three blue lights remain unexplained [1, 5]. While he suggested these marks might be the result of radiation affecting the camera, he noted that investigators have not reached a final conclusion [1, 5].

Coulthart agreed that radiation or camera malfunctions are possible but argued that conclusions cannot be drawn until the original film is properly examined [1, 5]. He also claimed NASA released only four pages of an Apollo 12 transcript in which astronaut Alan Bean described unusual particles of light moving away from the moon [1, 5].

Furthermore, Coulthart questioned the absence of photographs mentioned by Apollo 17 astronaut Ron Evans, who reported seeing bright fragments and stated he took pictures during the mission [1, 5].

Patterns of Missing Data Across Gemini and Skylab

Coulthart's criticism extends beyond the Apollo program to include the Gemini 7 and Skylab missions [1, 5]. He maintains that audio recordings, photographs, and tracking data from these programs are still missing [1, 5].

To support his concerns about NASA's archival searches, Coulthart cited a 2003 records request by journalist Leslie Kean regarding a 1965 UFO incident in Kecksburg, Pennsylvania [1, 5]. According to Coulthart, a federal court later concluded that NASA had not demonstrated the adequacy of its search [1, 5].

Despite these disputes, Coulthart stated, "I'm not calling Jared Isaacman a liar," but suggested the administrator may not understand the specific nature of the UAP data being requested ^[1].

Legal Protections and Limitations for UAP Whistleblowers

The Department of War has issued a legal waiver to assist in the collection of information for PURSUE ^[2]. This waiver allows military members, contractors, and civilian personnel to disclose UAP information to PURSUE representatives without triggering penalties for violating non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) ^[2].

However, Robert Powell of the Scientific Coalition for UAP Studies noted that this waiver does not grant permission to speak with the public or the press ^[2]. He observed that the protection only applies if the individual reports the information directly to PURSUE representatives ^[2].

Powell argued that without congressional subpoena power to verify claims, such disclosures may not lead to concrete evidence, stating, "it just remains 'he said, she said.'" ^[2]

What we don't know

• Does the original Apollo 17 film contain marks that contradict the radiation explanation?
• Why has NASA only released four pages of the Apollo 12 transcript?
• Where are the photographs described by astronaut Ron Evans?
• Will any whistleblowers actually use the Department of War's PURSUE waiver to provide evidence?