In early May 2026, details emerged regarding a new step by the U.S. military in investigating Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP). Researcher John Greenewald Jr., who leads The Black Vault project, published a document obtained through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. A Joint Staff memorandum dated November 20, 2023, reveals the creation of a specialized task force—the Space Tiger Team—under the leadership of the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO).
The document outlines a concerted effort to integrate UAP reporting and analysis into the space domain. A primary focus is placed on "spaceborne and transmedium" objects—those located in space or capable of moving between different environments, such as from a vacuum to the atmosphere and the ocean. The Space Tiger Team is tasked with developing detection frameworks for these phenomena using space-based assets, improving reporting systems, and creating mechanisms to distinguish anomalies from domestic satellites and equipment.
This initiative spans key departments within the defense establishment. It involves U.S. Space Command, Northern Command, NORAD, the Space Force, Air Force elements, and intelligence agencies, including the National Reconnaissance Office and the National Security Agency. The initial meeting of the Space Tiger Team was scheduled for December 12, 2023, with participants directed to promptly designate responsible officers.
The formation of the Space Tiger Team stems directly from requirements set forth in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023. The memorandum emphasizes the need for timely and consistent data collection regarding UAP. Its findings are intended to establish a foundation for systematically integrating anomaly issues into space operations, aiding in response planning and closing gaps in near-Earth surveillance.
The release of this memorandum is significant as it broadens the scope of the UAP discussion. While previous focus rested primarily on atmospheric incidents involving pilots, the military is now methodically shifting its attention toward space. The Space Tiger Team is not a one-off project but rather an attempt to embed the study of anomalies into the daily operations of commands and services.
For now, the document does not disclose specific incidents or technical details. Instead, it documents the existence of high-level organizational efforts. Future FOIA requests will likely shed more light on the group’s practical operations and conclusions.
The publication by The Black Vault adds a new dimension to the picture emerging from official reports and declassified materials. In an era of dense satellite coverage and expanding sensor capabilities, the military clearly considers the topic worthy of serious interagency attention. This serves as another signal that the nature of anomalous phenomena across various environments remains firmly on the defense department's agenda.
