Robert T. Bigelow (born 1944, Las Vegas) — commercial real estate and hotel magnate (Budget Suites of America). Used accumulated wealth to pursue two parallel missions: commercial space habitation (Bigelow Aerospace, launched Genesis I/II prototype space modules 2006-2007) and UAP research. UAP RESEARCH TIMELINE: 1995: Founded National Institute for Discovery Science (NIDS) — investigated cattle mutilations, black triangle sightings, and paranormal phenomena. 1996: Purchased Skinwalker Ranch in Utah for $200,000 — a 512-acre property with decades of documented paranormal reports including UAPs, cattle mutilations, poltergeist activity, and reported non-human entities. NIDS conducted systematic surveillance of the ranch. Disbanded NIDS in 2004. 2008: A senior DIA scientist (Dr. James Lacatski) visited Skinwalker Ranch independently — had an anomalous encounter with what he described as a “technological apparition” in the ranch kitchen. Flew back to Washington, briefed Senators Harry Reid, Daniel Inouye, and Ted Stevens. Reid secured $22M in the Defense Authorization Act — hidden as “Advanced Aerospace Weapons Systems Application Program.” Just ONE proposal was received for the contract: BAASS (Bigelow Aerospace Advanced Space Studies). BAASS contract HHM402-08-C-0072 awarded by DIA. BAASS hired dozens of investigators, scientists, and support personnel including Hal Puthoff and Eric Davis. Also funded a MUFON database upgrade. Bigelow on CBS 60 Minutes (2017): “I’m absolutely convinced that there are ET vehicles, that there’s been visitation… it’s right under people’s noses.” Sold Skinwalker Ranch to Brandon Fugal. 2023: Became Governor Ron DeSantis’s largest donor ($30M), raising speculation about future federal funding ambitions.