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.