Robert Bigelow is a name that many associate with entrepreneurial ventures in the space industry, especially with his company Bigelow Aerospace. However, beyond his commercial endeavors, Bigelow has shown a profound interest in the unidentified flying objects (UFO) phenomenon and has been deeply involved in research and investigations related to it.
Background: Who is Robert Bigelow?
Robert Bigelow is an American businessman primarily known for his work in the hotel and aerospace industries. He founded Budget Suites of America, a chain of extended-stay hotels, which provided him with the financial foundation to explore his other interests. In 1999, he founded Bigelow Aerospace, a company focused on developing inflatable space habitats. These habitats, sometimes referred to as "expandable habitats," are designed to be launched in a compact form and then expanded once in space, providing more room for astronauts.
Bigelow's Interest in UFOs
Bigelow's fascination with UFOs isn't a recent development. His interest in the subject can be traced back to his grandparents, who reportedly had a close encounter with an unidentified object in the late 1940s. This family story might have been the catalyst for Bigelow's lifelong quest to understand the UFO phenomenon.
In the 1990s, he funded the National Institute for Discovery Science (NIDS), an organization dedicated to researching various fringe and paranormal topics, including UFO sightings and cattle mutilations. NIDS operated until the mid-2000s, gathering data, investigating sightings, and publishing reports on its findings.
Government Involvement and the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP)
One of the most significant revelations about Bigelow's involvement with UFO research came in 2017 when it was disclosed that the U.S. Department of Defense had funded a secret program called the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP) from 2007 to 2012. This program was dedicated to investigating UFO encounters by military personnel.
Bigelow Aerospace was contracted by the U.S. government to manage and store materials and data collected from UFO encounters. This collaboration indicated the depth of Bigelow's commitment to understanding the UFO phenomenon and suggested that the government saw value in his company's expertise in this area.
Robert Bigelow, beyond his notable achievements in the business world, has played a significant role in the modern investigation of UFOs. His personal interest, backed by financial resources, has allowed for in-depth research and investigation into a topic that often remains on the fringes of mainstream science. While some critics argue that Bigelow's involvement with UFO research is purely for personal or commercial gain, it's undeniable that he has contributed to bringing more attention and legitimacy to the subject.
References:
"The Pentagon’s Mysterious U.F.O. Program," The New York Times, Dec. 16, 2017.
"Bigelow Aerospace founder says commercial world will lead in space," Space.com, May 28, 2017.
"Robert Bigelow Presents UFO Report Synopsis," Coast to Coast AM, Nov. 17, 2008.
Following his extensive involvement in UFO research and the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP), another significant chapter in Bigelow's exploration of the unknown revolves around a property known as Skinwalker Ranch in Utah.
Robert Bigelow and the Skinwalker Ranch Mystery
Skinwalker Ranch, located in the Uintah Basin in northeastern Utah, is a property steeped in folklore, tales of paranormal activity, and unidentified aerial phenomena. Its name derives from the Navajo legend of the "skinwalker," a malevolent shape-shifting spirit. Over the years, the ranch has been the epicenter of countless UFO sightings, animal mutilations, and other unexplained events. Robert Bigelow's involvement with this enigmatic piece of land brought the mysteries of the ranch to the forefront of UFO and paranormal research.
Acquisition and Investigation
In 1996, Robert Bigelow purchased Skinwalker Ranch, driven by the myriad of strange reports emerging from the property. His interest wasn't merely that of a curious investor; Bigelow saw the ranch as an opportunity to conduct rigorous scientific investigations into the reported phenomena. To this end, he utilized the National Institute for Discovery Science (NIDS), which he had funded, to study the ranch's activities.
Under Bigelow's directive, NIDS established a research presence on the ranch, installing surveillance equipment and maintaining a team of researchers on-site. Over several years, the team documented numerous unexplained phenomena, ranging from orbs of light moving across the sky to the inexplicable disappearance of cattle. Some events were so bizarre and defy logical explanation, such as the reported appearance of a large, humanoid creature emerging from a tunnel of light.
Challenges and Skepticism
Despite the intensive research efforts, obtaining concrete evidence proved challenging. Many of the phenomena were transient, leaving little to no physical trace. The unpredictable nature of the events also meant that even with round-the-clock surveillance, capturing definitive proof on camera was elusive.
This lack of tangible evidence led to skepticism in some quarters. Critics argued that the tales from Skinwalker Ranch were embellished or even fabricated. However, the consistency of witness testimonies, combined with the reputation of NIDS and Bigelow's commitment to evidence-based research, suggested that there was more to the ranch's stories than mere folklore.
Legacy and the Public Eye
Bigelow's involvement with Skinwalker Ranch lasted until 2016 when he sold the property. However, his research and the tales from the ranch captured the public's imagination. The ranch has since been the subject of numerous documentaries, books, and a popular television series.
Bigelow's tenure at Skinwalker Ranch underscores his broader commitment to exploring the unexplained. While the ranch's mysteries remain largely unsolved, the investigations carried out under Bigelow's ownership elevated the discourse around paranormal and UFO research, pushing for more rigorous, scientific approaches to such phenomena.
In conclusion
Robert Bigelow's experience with Skinwalker Ranch is a testament to his dedication to understanding the unknown. While many mysteries of the ranch remain unresolved, Bigelow's pursuit of truth in the face of skepticism is commendable. At the end, what you believe is yours to decide. The tales from Skinwalker Ranch, backed by Bigelow's investigations, continue to intrigue and challenge our understanding of the world around us.
References:
Kelleher, Colm A., and George Knapp. "Hunt for the Skinwalker: Science Confronts the Unexplained at a Remote Ranch in Utah." Paraview Pocket Books, 2005.
"Skinwalker Ranch: In the Shadow of the Ridge," History Channel, 2020.
"The Pentagon’s Mysterious U.F.O. Program," The New York Times, Dec. 16, 2017.
Here are some notable recommendations:
Books:
"Hunt for the Skinwalker: Science Confronts the Unexplained at a Remote Ranch in Utah" by Colm A. Kelleher and George Knapp.
This book is perhaps the most comprehensive account of the phenomena at Skinwalker Ranch. Written by a biochemist and a seasoned investigative journalist, it delves into the scientific investigations conducted at the ranch under the ownership of Robert Bigelow.
Documentaries and TV Series:
"Hunt for the Skinwalker" (2018)
Directed by Jeremy Corbell, this documentary features rare footage and interviews, providing an in-depth look at the history and mysteries of Skinwalker Ranch. George Knapp, co-author of the aforementioned book, also contributes to this film.
"Skinwalker Ranch: In the Shadow of the Ridge" on the History Channel.
This series delves into the accounts of phenomena experienced by the new owners of the ranch and their team of investigators. It provides a modern look at the ongoing mysteries and investigations at the property.
"The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch" on the History Channel.
A more recent series that follows a team of scientists and experts who conduct a thorough search of the ranch, attempting to uncover the truth behind decades of mysteries.
"UFOs and Nukes: The Secret Link Revealed" (2016)
While not exclusively about Skinwalker Ranch, this documentary by Robert Hastings discusses the purported UFO sightings around nuclear weapons sites. Given the high frequency of UFO sightings at the ranch, this documentary offers a broader context to the phenomenon.
Additional Reading:
While not strictly about Skinwalker Ranch, books like "UFOs: Generals, Pilots, and Government Officials Go on the Record" by Leslie Kean provide context to the broader UFO phenomena and can offer additional insight into the type of incidents reported at the ranch.