UFO Research in the Former Soviet Union

Summary

The former Soviet Union took the study of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) very seriously, even establishing commissions and specialized centers to investigate them. In 1989, a commission was formed under the USSR Union of Scientific and Engineering Societies, and in 1990 the Inter-Industry Ufology Research Centre (SOYUZUFOSENTR) was established. This center had the status of an institute under the USSR Academy of Sciences and was led by V.G. Azhazha, a prominent researcher and former naval submariner. A ten-week course was created to study ufology as a science, covering observation, characteristics, astronomy, and psychophysical aspects. Russians used the acronym UFO in all their references, rather than UAP, as noted here.

Additionally, research focused on UFO activity in "abnormal zones" and landing sites. Light filters, instruments, infrared and ultraviolet photography were developed to analyze these phenomena. Unexplained imagery, including spheres, humanoid figures, and circular objects, was reportedly obtained but never published. Some theories suggested these were manifestations of an unknown substance capable of forming organic matter and becoming temporarily visible. These studies reflect a scientific and technical approach to ufology in the Soviet Union, with implications in advanced physics and technology.