Project SCANATE: CIA’s First Classified Remote Viewing Contract with SRI — Ingo Swann Maps Soviet Submarine Base at Sary Shagan (1973)

The Genesis of Project SCANATE

In the summer of 1973, the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) embarked on a groundbreaking experiment that would lay the groundwork for remote viewing—a technique that combined elements of psychic ability and scientific rigor. This project, known as Project SCANATE, was the first classified contract between the CIA and Stanford Research Institute (SRI), which had been exploring the potential of extrasensory perception (ESP) in intelligence gathering.

Project SCANATE was initiated by a joint effort from SRI International and the CIA’s Directorate of Science and Technology. The primary objective was to determine if remote viewing could provide credible, actionable intelligence that would not be available through conventional means. This venture emerged against the backdrop of Cold War tensions, as the United States sought any advantage over its adversaries.

Project SCANATE: A New Approach

Ingo Swann’s Early Experiments

The project began with a series of experiments led by Dr. Harold Puthoff and Ingo Swann, a former Air Force officer turned artist and researcher. Swann had previously demonstrated his psychic abilities in various settings, including the CIA’s own remote viewing program. His skills were deemed valuable enough to warrant a formal investigation into their potential for intelligence gathering.

The Selection of the Target

In October 1973, SRI was tasked with conducting an experiment involving the Soviet Union’s Sary Shagan complex, located in Kazakhstan. The site was known to be home to a significant military facility, including a naval base with submarine testing capabilities. Given its strategic importance, the CIA sought precise information about the layout and operations at Sary Shagan.

Key Events: Mapping Sary Shagan

Ingo Swann’s Remote Viewing

In mid-1973, Swann conducted several remote viewing sessions aimed specifically at mapping the Sary Shagan complex. Each session involved detailed descriptions of the area, which were then compared to satellite imagery and other intelligence reports.

The First Session: July 20, 1973

On July 20, 1973, Swann conducted his first remote viewing session focusing on Sary Shagan. He described a large circular structure with multiple smaller structures around it, resembling a series of interconnected domes. According to Swann’s account, the complex was surrounded by vast open spaces and contained a network of roads leading to various facilities.

Subsequent Sessions: July 21-24, 1973

Over the next few days, Swann provided additional details about the layout and infrastructure at Sary Shagan. He described several key features, including:

• A large circular building with a diameter of approximately 100 meters
• Multiple smaller domed structures around it
• A series of roads leading to various facilities within the complex
• Significant water supply systems
• Numerous vehicles and aircraft visible

These descriptions were recorded meticulously by SRI researchers and compared against available satellite imagery. The results showed remarkable accuracy in Swann’s descriptions, particularly with regard to the circular building and its surroundings.

Evidence and Analysis

Comparison with Satellite Imagery

When the remote viewing sessions concluded, SRI analysts compared Swann’s descriptions with publicly available satellite images of the Sary Shagan complex. The comparison revealed striking similarities between Swann’s visualizations and the actual layout of the facility.

• The circular structure described by Swann matched closely with a large, circular building visible in the satellite imagery.
• The smaller domed structures around it were also accurately depicted.
• The network of roads leading to various facilities within the complex aligned with Swann’s descriptions.

Official Report and Evaluation

In November 1973, SRI submitted a detailed report to the CIA, highlighting the accuracy of Swann’s remote viewing sessions. The report concluded that while the results were impressive, they required further validation through additional experiments and corroborative evidence.

The Current Status: Ongoing Mystery

Follow-Up Experiments

Following Project SCANATE, the CIA conducted several follow-up experiments involving Ingo Swann and other participants. These subsequent efforts aimed to refine the remote viewing techniques and assess their reliability under controlled conditions.

Public Interest and Skepticism

The results of Project SCANATE generated significant public interest and skepticism. While some viewed it as a promising avenue for intelligence gathering, others remained highly skeptical of the claims made by Swann and his colleagues.

Frequently Asked Questions (5 Q&A pairs)

Q: What was the primary goal of Project SCANATE?

A: The main objective of Project SCANATE was to evaluate the potential of remote viewing in providing credible, actionable intelligence that could not be obtained through conventional means. Specifically, it aimed to map and assess a Soviet military facility at Sary Shagan.

Q: How accurate were Swann’s descriptions compared to satellite imagery?

A: Swann’s descriptions showed remarkable accuracy when compared to available satellite imagery. He accurately depicted key features such as the circular building, smaller domed structures, and road networks within the complex.

Q: What happened after the initial success of Project SCANATE?

A: Following the initial success, the CIA conducted several follow-up experiments to refine remote viewing techniques and assess their reliability under controlled conditions. These efforts aimed to validate the results obtained in Project SCANATE and explore further applications.

Q: How did the public react to the findings of Project SCANATE?

A: The findings generated significant public interest, with some seeing it as a promising avenue for intelligence gathering while others remained highly skeptical. The credibility and reliability of remote viewing techniques continued to be debated within both scientific and lay communities.

Q: What is the current status of research into remote viewing?

A: While Project SCANATE marked an important milestone in the field, subsequent research has been limited due to ongoing skepticism and lack of funding. However, some researchers continue to explore the potential of remote viewing for various applications, including intelligence gathering and disaster response.