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From the GEPAN to the GEIPAN

As far as history can testify men look at the sky and its phenomena with interest. This interest has continued to grow especially since the appearance of new techniques and therefore new machines in the twentieth century. The GEIPAN then tries to answer the questions and expectations of the population about UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon). 

The CNES (French Space Agency) has been studying UAP since 1977 when the GEPAN (Unidentified Aerospace Phenomena Study Group) was created.

In 1988, the GEPAN was replaced by the SEPRA (Atmospheric Reentry Study Group).

In 2005, following an audit, the Chairman of the CNES decided to restructure the activity and the GEIPAN replaced SEPRA. An important recommendation to inform the public in a transparent manner was made. This recommendation is reflected in the I (Information) added to the acronym GEIPAN and is expressed through the publication, begun in 2007, of the archives and files of GEIPAN with a more voluntary public communication (website, leaflets, conferences, press and media contacts). Most of their communication is done via its website, which was launched in 2008 and was redesigned in 2021.

FAQ GEIPAN

1. What is GEIPAN?
  • GEIPAN (Group for the Study and Information of Unidentified Aerial/Aerospace Phenomena) is a technical department of the CNES (French Space Agency). Its mission is to collect, analyze, investigate, publish, and archive reports of UAP (Unidentified Aerial/Aerospace Phenomena) sightings.
  • It also provides information and data to the public regarding UAPs and UFOs.
2. Is GEIPAN an independent structure?
  • No, GEIPAN is a technical department of CNES (Centre National d’Études Spatiales), a public, industrial and commercial institute in charge of the definition and implementation of the French space policy. CNES operates under the supervision of the French government;   Economy & Finance, Education & Research and the Defense Ministries
  • GEIPAN is integrated within CNES as an expertise department.
3. Does GEIPAN carry out a national security or space surveillance mission?
  • No. GEIPAN does not involve in a security topic nor a sky and space awareness or alert service.
  • For any questions or alertsregarding your safety, please contact the appropriate authorities (police, gendarmerie, civil security, etc.).
4. Does GEIPAN research UFOs and extraterrestrial life?
  • Contrary to popular belief, GEIPAN is not a research group on UFOs and extraterrestrial life, or other paranormal phenomena.
5. Does GEIPAN operate continuously?
  • No. GEIPAN collects testimonies, analyzes the data, and then conducts an investigation using a multidisciplinary approach combining physical sciences and human factors.
  • GEIPAN uses only recognized scientific knowledge, without speculation or unverified hypotheses.
  • GEIPAN is not focused to respond immediately to requests related to UAP observations.
6. Does GEIPAN guarantee the confidentiality of testimonies?
  • Yes. GEIPAN's mission is to publish its work while ensuring the anonymity of witnesses and the published documents linked to the investigation.
  • Refer to the PRIVACY POLICY section regarding the protection of personal data collected for the purposes of investigations.
7. What is the methodology used?

GEIPAN follows a methodology summarized in seven key stages:

1. Receiving the testimony

2. Creating the file

3. Initial analysis

4. Investigation and processing

5. Classification into A, B, C, D

6. Anonymizing the files

7. witness information and publication

8. How does GEIPAN classify observation cases?

The classification process is done according a quantitative and qualitative assessment of two parameters: the consistency (C) of the observation and the residual strangeness (E) after investigation.

  • Strangeness (E): This is the measure of the residual strangeness after comparison with known phenomena hypotheses.
  • Consistency (C): This is the product of the quantity and  the reliability of the data submitted and collected during the investigation. The objectivity of this data is weighted according to a specific table, part of the GEIPAN methodology.

Classification categories:

  • Classification A: Phenomenon perfectly identified after investigation.
  • Classification B: Phenomenon probably identified after investigation.
  • Classification C: Phenomenon not identified due to lack of data or information.
  • Classification D: Phenomenon not identified after investigation.

A revisit process, or a new analysis, of cases C and D may be conducted if new information related to these cases is communicated to GEIPAN after the initial investigation.

9. Who can testify?
  • Anyone can provide testimony.
  • GEIPAN is not sized to respond to indirect witness(es) of an UAP observation (i.e. reported by third parties).
  • Testimony from minor witness is subject to parental authorization.
10. What is the place of human testimony in the investigation?
  • Human testimony is at the core of the process and methodology for GEIPAN.
  • GEIPAN only investigates phenomena reported by one or more direct witnesses of the observation.
  • The witness must fulfil the technical questionnaire (QT), designed to gather the essential and substantial information to open an investigation.
  • Visual, material or detection matters such as sketches, photographs, videos, etc. may complete the QT.

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