James Lacatski

James T. Lacatski (born January 9, 1951) is an American engineer and former Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) intelligence officer. He served as program manager of the Advanced Aerospace Weapon System Applications Program (AAWSAP), a DIA-funded research program that investigated unidentified flying objects (UFOs), advanced aerospace technologies, and anomalous phenomena from 2008 to 2010.

During his involvement with AAWSAP, Lacatski oversaw investigations that included reports of paranormal and other anomalous phenomena associated with Skinwalker Ranch in Utah. He has described the UFO phenomenon as potentially involving both advanced technology and paranormal effects.

Lacatski began his professional career as a nuclear engineer and later worked in technical intelligence for the DIA. He subsequently became a co-author of books about the U.S. government's investigation of UFO and anomalous phenomena, including Skinwalkers at the Pentagon (2021) and Inside the U.S. Government Covert UFO Program: Initial Revelations (2023).

Early scientific career

Lacatski studied nuclear engineering at the University of Tennessee, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in 1982 and a Master of Science degree in 1985.

In 1986, Lacatski was an engineer assistant in the Nuclear Design Section of Duke Power Company. According to the contemporary author biography published by the American Nuclear Society, his responsibilities included reactor-core design, startup, operating predictions and plant support.

Defense Intelligence Agency

Lacatski later joined the DIA, where he worked as a technical intelligence officer. His work included analysis of military technologies, including missiles, missile defense and directed-energy weapons.

AAWSAP received approximately $22 million in funding and awarded a contract to Bigelow Aerospace Advanced Space Studies, a company associated with businessman Robert Bigelow.

The program examined a range of advanced aerospace technologies and concepts, including propulsion, power generation, materials, human effects and other technologies relevant to advanced aerospace systems.

The account describes the alleged craft as having a streamlined configuration suitable for aerodynamic flight but lacking conventional features such as wings, exhausts, intakes and control surfaces. It further describes the object as apparently lacking an engine, fuel tanks or conventional fuel.

Lacatski subsequently published further material concerning U.S. government investigations of UFOs. His 2026 book Future Visions: Inside the U.S. Government Covert UFO Program was published by RTMA.