May 22, 2025 • 14 mins
Explore the intriguing story of Project Stargate, a top-secret US government program launched during the Cold War to investigate the potential of psychic abilities for intelligence purposes. Delving into its roots in the intense geopolitical rivalry between the US and the Soviet Union, the episode uncovers how scientists, military personnel, and psychics collaborated to develop remote viewing—a purported ability to perceive distant locations using the mind. Key figures, notable experiments, and controversial outcomes are discussed, charting the program's journey from its inception at the Stanford Research Institute to its eventual cessation in 1995. Engage with the debate surrounding its legacy and its place in the history of intelligence.
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The Rabbit Hole Chronicles is produced and hosted by Joe Foster.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:02):
Imagine a world where secretsaren't locked behind, still
doors or encrypted files, butrather hidden just beyond the
veil of perception.
A world where the human minditself becomes the ultimate
intelligence gathering tool.
For over two decades during theheight of the Cold War, the US
(00:24):
government invested millions ofdollars in a top secret program
known as Project Stargate, itsmission to explore the very
fringes of human potentialpsychic abilities.
Specifically the phenomenonknown as remote viewing from the
1970s to the mid 1990s.
(00:46):
Scientists, military personneland self-proclaimed psychics
worked together in a kleinefacility, attempting to peer
into distant locations, predictenemy movements and uncovering
all with the power of theirminds.
Was this a genuine attempt toharness extraordinary human
(01:10):
capabilities for nationalsecurity?
Or a costly and ultimatelyfruitless pursuit of the
paranormal.
This is the story of ProjectStargate, a fascinating
intersection of science,espionage, and the enduring
mystery of the human mind.
(01:31):
We'll explore the claims, thecontroversies, and the ultimate
fate of Project Stargate.
To understand Project Stargate,we need to rewind to the Cold
War, a period of intensegeopolitical rivalry between the
United States and the SovietUnion.
This wasn't just.
A battle of ideologies.
(01:53):
It was a relentless intelligencewar bought in the shadows.
Both sides were constantlyseeking any advantages, any edge
that could tip the balance ofpower in this climate of
paranoia and suspicion.
The idea of exploiting theunknown, the paranormal.
(02:15):
We began to gain traction withincertain circles of the US
government.
The Soviets were rumored to beconducting their own research
into psychic phenomena, and theUS didn't want to be left behind
in what some called the psychicarms race, this entirely new
(02:36):
territory.
Some researchers believed thatthese abilities could be
harnessed for military andintelligence purposes.
By the 1970s, this interest hadcoalesced into more formalized
research programs within the USintelligence community.
Projects like scan net, shortforest scanning by coordinate
(02:58):
and brittle flame were earlyattempts to investigate the
potential of psychic abilities,articulate what would later be
known as remote viewing.
Laid the groundwork for moreambitious projects that would
eventually become Stargate.
Key figures emerged during thisperiod.
(03:19):
Individuals who would playcrucial roles in the development
of remote viewing protocols andthe execution of these programs.
Two names Stand out.
Harold Eth and Russell Targboth.
Physicists.
They conducted pioneeringresearch at the Stanford
(03:41):
Research Institute or SRIA,renowned research and
development center inCalifornia.
Their work at SRI would becomethe epicenter of remote viewing
research for years to come.
It was at SRI that the firstrigorously controlled
(04:02):
experiments into remote viewingwere conducted.
Experiments that would capturethe attention of the US
intelligence community andultimately lead to the birth of
Project Stargate.
Now that we've set the stage,let's delve into the heart of
Project Stargate, theexperiments in remote viewing.
(04:22):
This was the core of theproject, the means by which the
CIA and the military hope toharness psychic abilities or
intelligence gathered.
At the center of theseexperiments was the Stanford
Research Institute, SRIA,renowned research and
development hub in California.
(04:43):
It was here under the leadershipof Harold and Russell that the
first rigorous test of remoteviewing took place.
So what exactly is remoteviewing?
It's the purported ability toperceive distant or.
Unseen locations without the useof traditional sensory channels.
(05:05):
Think of it as kind of a mentalteleportation where the mind can
project itself to a remotelocation and gather information
about it.
Putta and Tars experimentsinvolved a series of controlled
sessions in which participantsknown as viewers were asked to
(05:26):
describe distant locations.
Objects that were unknown tothem, the viewers were then
compared to a control group whodid not have any psychic
abilities.
One of the most prominentviewers involved in the SRI
experiments was Ingo Swan.
(05:46):
Swan possessed a remarkableability to describe remote
locations with startlingaccuracy, often providing
details that were laterconfirmed to be correct.
His case became a cornerstone ofthe remote viewing program over
the years, the SRI researchersamassed a significant amount of
(06:08):
data, documenting hundreds ofsuccessful remote viewing
sessions.
These results were oftenimpressive with viewers
providing detailed descriptionsof locations, objects, and even
events that they could not haveknown about through conventional
means.
(06:28):
Some of the most notableexamples of successful remote
viewing include locating adowned Soviet aircraft.
In one instance, a remote vieweraccurately described the
location and condition of adowned Soviet aircraft providing
crucial information that helpedin the recovery effort.
(06:49):
In another case, a viewerprovided a detailed description
of a hidden Soviet militarybase.
Information that was laterconfirmed to be accurate by
intelligent sources.
These and other successfulexamples fuel the belief that
remote viewing was a realphenomenon, a powerful tool that
could be harnessed forintelligence purposes.
(07:14):
the successful experiments atSRI caught the attention of the
US intelligence community.
And in 1978, the program wastransferred from the Stanford
Research Institute to theDefense Intelligence Agency, or
the DIA.
This marked a significantescalation in the project as it
(07:36):
moved from academic research tooperational use.
Under the DIA's umbrellaproject, Stargate expanded and
evolved.
It was a greater emphasis onpractical applications.
Of remote viewing the programrecruited additional viewers,
refined the protocols, and beganto integrate remote viewing into
(08:00):
real world intelligenceoperations.
One notable example was the caseof Major General Albert, a
former commander of the US ArmyIntelligence and Security
Command.
A firm believer in psychicphenomenon.
Albert played a crucial role inadvocating for Project Stargate
(08:23):
in integrating remote viewinginto military intelligence
operations.
Remote viewing was employed in avariety of situations, including
locating missing personnel.
Viewers were used to attempt tolocate hostages, missing
soldiers and downed aircraft.
Tracking enemy movements.
Remote viewers were tasked withgathering information about the
(08:47):
movements and activities ofSoviet military forces gathering
intelligence on foreigninstallations.
Viewers were also used to gatherinformation about foreign
military bases, nuclearfacilities, and other sensitive
sites.
There were instances whereremote viewing provided valuable
(09:08):
information that could not havebeen obtained through
traditional intelligencechallenge channels.
However, not everyone wasconvinced of the efficiency of
remote viewing.
Critics within the intelligencecommunity raised concerns about
the lack of scientific rigor inthe experiments, the difficulty
(09:29):
of replicating results and thesubjective nature.
Of the information obtainedthrough remote viewing, despite
these criticisms, projectStargate continued to operate
until 1995 when a report by theAmerican Institute for Research
A IR concluded that remoteviewing had not produced
(09:53):
actionable intelligence andrecommended the program's
termination.
The official end of projects,Stargate face significant
criticism throughout itsexistence.
The scientific community inparticular remains skeptical of
the claim surrounding remoteviewing.
(10:13):
One of the main points ofcontention was the lack of
replicable results.
While some experiments yieldedseemingly impressive results,
others felt to produce anyevidence of psychic abilities.
This inconsistency made itdifficult to establish remote
viewing as a scientificallyvalid phenomenon.
(10:35):
Methodological laws and somestudies were also a concern.
Pritz pointed to issues such asinadequate blinding protocols,
unintentional queuing ofparticipants, and the subjective
interpretation of resultresults.
(10:55):
These factors read questions.
The validity of the data and theconclusions drawn from it.
The inherent subjectivity ofremote viewing was another major
challenge.
Information obtained throughremote viewing was often vague,
symbolic, or open tointerpretation.
(11:18):
This made it difficult to verifyits accuracy and usefulness in
real world intelligenceoperations.
In 1995, the American Instituteof For Research or the A IR
conducted a comprehensive reviewof Project Stargate.
The report concluded that remoteviewing had not produced
actionable intelligence, andthat there was no clear evidence
(11:41):
of its practical value.
The a IR report recommendedending the program.
Based on the A I'S reportfindings, the US government
officially shut down ProjectStargate in 1995.
The program's files weredeclassified, making its history
and findings available to thepublic.
(12:03):
The end of Stargate marked theconclusion of a unique and
controversial experiment in thehistory of intelligence.
While the program generated agreat deal of public interest
and debate.
It ultimately failed to provideconclusive evidence of the
existence or practical, utilityof remote viewing.
(12:26):
The legacy of Project Stargatecontinues to be debated.
Some maintain that the programuncover genuine evidence of
psychic abilities, while othersargue that it was a costly and
ultimately fruitless pursuit ofthe paranormal.
So what are we to make ofProject Stargate?
(12:47):
Was it a genuine attempt toharness extraordinary human
potential for national securityor a misguided foray into the
realm of the paranormal?
The declassified files reveal acomplex and fascinating story,
one that raises more questionsthan it does answers.
(13:07):
While the official conclusionwas that remote viewing did not
produce actionable intelligence,the antidotes and testimonials
from those involved continue tofeel debates.
Some remain convinced that thepsychic abilities played a role
in intelligence gathering whileothers dismissed the entire
project as a pseudoscienceregardless of one's personal
(13:34):
beliefs.
Project.
Stargate stands as a uniquechapter in the history of
intelligence as a testament tothe human desire to explore the
unknown, to push the boundariesof what's possible.
Even if that means venturinginto the fringes of science and
the paranormal, we've onlyscratched the surface of this
(13:55):
complex topic today.
If you're interested in learningmore, we encourage you to
explore the declassifieddocuments available online.
Delve into the researchconducted at SRI inform your own
conclusions about the mysteriesof Project Stargate.
Thank you for joining us on thisexploration of Project Stargate.
(14:17):
This is the Rabbit HoleChronicles.
Imagine a world where secretsaren't locked behind, still
doors or encrypted files, butrather hidden just beyond the
veil of perception.
A world where the human minditself becomes the ultimate
intelligence gathering tool.
For over two decades during theheight of the Cold War, the US
(00:24):
government invested millions ofdollars in a top secret program
known as Project Stargate, itsmission to explore the very
fringes of human potentialpsychic abilities.
Specifically the phenomenonknown as remote viewing from the
1970s to the mid 1990s.
(00:46):
Scientists, military personneland self-proclaimed psychics
worked together in a kleinefacility, attempting to peer
into distant locations, predictenemy movements and uncovering
all with the power of theirminds.
Was this a genuine attempt toharness extraordinary human
(01:10):
capabilities for nationalsecurity?
Or a costly and ultimatelyfruitless pursuit of the
paranormal.
This is the story of ProjectStargate, a fascinating
intersection of science,espionage, and the enduring
mystery of the human mind.
(01:31):
We'll explore the claims, thecontroversies, and the ultimate
fate of Project Stargate.
To understand Project Stargate,we need to rewind to the Cold
War, a period of intensegeopolitical rivalry between the
United States and the SovietUnion.
This wasn't just.
A battle of ideologies.
(01:53):
It was a relentless intelligencewar bought in the shadows.
Both sides were constantlyseeking any advantages, any edge
that could tip the balance ofpower in this climate of
paranoia and suspicion.
The idea of exploiting theunknown, the paranormal.
(02:15):
We began to gain traction withincertain circles of the US
government.
The Soviets were rumored to beconducting their own research
into psychic phenomena, and theUS didn't want to be left behind
in what some called the psychicarms race, this entirely new
(02:36):
territory.
Some researchers believed thatthese abilities could be
harnessed for military andintelligence purposes.
By the 1970s, this interest hadcoalesced into more formalized
research programs within the USintelligence community.
Projects like scan net, shortforest scanning by coordinate
(02:58):
and brittle flame were earlyattempts to investigate the
potential of psychic abilities,articulate what would later be
known as remote viewing.
Laid the groundwork for moreambitious projects that would
eventually become Stargate.
Key figures emerged during thisperiod.
(03:19):
Individuals who would playcrucial roles in the development
of remote viewing protocols andthe execution of these programs.
Two names Stand out.
Harold Eth and Russell Targboth.
Physicists.
They conducted pioneeringresearch at the Stanford
(03:41):
Research Institute or SRIA,renowned research and
development center inCalifornia.
Their work at SRI would becomethe epicenter of remote viewing
research for years to come.
It was at SRI that the firstrigorously controlled
(04:02):
experiments into remote viewingwere conducted.
Experiments that would capturethe attention of the US
intelligence community andultimately lead to the birth of
Project Stargate.
Now that we've set the stage,let's delve into the heart of
Project Stargate, theexperiments in remote viewing.
(04:22):
This was the core of theproject, the means by which the
CIA and the military hope toharness psychic abilities or
intelligence gathered.
At the center of theseexperiments was the Stanford
Research Institute, SRIA,renowned research and
development hub in California.
(04:43):
It was here under the leadershipof Harold and Russell that the
first rigorous test of remoteviewing took place.
So what exactly is remoteviewing?
It's the purported ability toperceive distant or.
Unseen locations without the useof traditional sensory channels.
(05:05):
Think of it as kind of a mentalteleportation where the mind can
project itself to a remotelocation and gather information
about it.
Putta and Tars experimentsinvolved a series of controlled
sessions in which participantsknown as viewers were asked to
(05:26):
describe distant locations.
Objects that were unknown tothem, the viewers were then
compared to a control group whodid not have any psychic
abilities.
One of the most prominentviewers involved in the SRI
experiments was Ingo Swan.
(05:46):
Swan possessed a remarkableability to describe remote
locations with startlingaccuracy, often providing
details that were laterconfirmed to be correct.
His case became a cornerstone ofthe remote viewing program over
the years, the SRI researchersamassed a significant amount of
(06:08):
data, documenting hundreds ofsuccessful remote viewing
sessions.
These results were oftenimpressive with viewers
providing detailed descriptionsof locations, objects, and even
events that they could not haveknown about through conventional
means.
(06:28):
Some of the most notableexamples of successful remote
viewing include locating adowned Soviet aircraft.
In one instance, a remote vieweraccurately described the
location and condition of adowned Soviet aircraft providing
crucial information that helpedin the recovery effort.
(06:49):
In another case, a viewerprovided a detailed description
of a hidden Soviet militarybase.
Information that was laterconfirmed to be accurate by
intelligent sources.
These and other successfulexamples fuel the belief that
remote viewing was a realphenomenon, a powerful tool that
could be harnessed forintelligence purposes.
(07:14):
the successful experiments atSRI caught the attention of the
US intelligence community.
And in 1978, the program wastransferred from the Stanford
Research Institute to theDefense Intelligence Agency, or
the DIA.
This marked a significantescalation in the project as it
(07:36):
moved from academic research tooperational use.
Under the DIA's umbrellaproject, Stargate expanded and
evolved.
It was a greater emphasis onpractical applications.
Of remote viewing the programrecruited additional viewers,
refined the protocols, and beganto integrate remote viewing into
(08:00):
real world intelligenceoperations.
One notable example was the caseof Major General Albert, a
former commander of the US ArmyIntelligence and Security
Command.
A firm believer in psychicphenomenon.
Albert played a crucial role inadvocating for Project Stargate
(08:23):
in integrating remote viewinginto military intelligence
operations.
Remote viewing was employed in avariety of situations, including
locating missing personnel.
Viewers were used to attempt tolocate hostages, missing
soldiers and downed aircraft.
Tracking enemy movements.
Remote viewers were tasked withgathering information about the
(08:47):
movements and activities ofSoviet military forces gathering
intelligence on foreigninstallations.
Viewers were also used to gatherinformation about foreign
military bases, nuclearfacilities, and other sensitive
sites.
There were instances whereremote viewing provided valuable
(09:08):
information that could not havebeen obtained through
traditional intelligencechallenge channels.
However, not everyone wasconvinced of the efficiency of
remote viewing.
Critics within the intelligencecommunity raised concerns about
the lack of scientific rigor inthe experiments, the difficulty
(09:29):
of replicating results and thesubjective nature.
Of the information obtainedthrough remote viewing, despite
these criticisms, projectStargate continued to operate
until 1995 when a report by theAmerican Institute for Research
A IR concluded that remoteviewing had not produced
(09:53):
actionable intelligence andrecommended the program's
termination.
The official end of projects,Stargate face significant
criticism throughout itsexistence.
The scientific community inparticular remains skeptical of
the claim surrounding remoteviewing.
(10:13):
One of the main points ofcontention was the lack of
replicable results.
While some experiments yieldedseemingly impressive results,
others felt to produce anyevidence of psychic abilities.
This inconsistency made itdifficult to establish remote
viewing as a scientificallyvalid phenomenon.
(10:35):
Methodological laws and somestudies were also a concern.
Pritz pointed to issues such asinadequate blinding protocols,
unintentional queuing ofparticipants, and the subjective
interpretation of resultresults.
(10:55):
These factors read questions.
The validity of the data and theconclusions drawn from it.
The inherent subjectivity ofremote viewing was another major
challenge.
Information obtained throughremote viewing was often vague,
symbolic, or open tointerpretation.
(11:18):
This made it difficult to verifyits accuracy and usefulness in
real world intelligenceoperations.
In 1995, the American Instituteof For Research or the A IR
conducted a comprehensive reviewof Project Stargate.
The report concluded that remoteviewing had not produced
actionable intelligence, andthat there was no clear evidence
(11:41):
of its practical value.
The a IR report recommendedending the program.
Based on the A I'S reportfindings, the US government
officially shut down ProjectStargate in 1995.
The program's files weredeclassified, making its history
and findings available to thepublic.
(12:03):
The end of Stargate marked theconclusion of a unique and
controversial experiment in thehistory of intelligence.
While the program generated agreat deal of public interest
and debate.
It ultimately failed to provideconclusive evidence of the
existence or practical, utilityof remote viewing.
(12:26):
The legacy of Project Stargatecontinues to be debated.
Some maintain that the programuncover genuine evidence of
psychic abilities, while othersargue that it was a costly and
ultimately fruitless pursuit ofthe paranormal.
So what are we to make ofProject Stargate?
(12:47):
Was it a genuine attempt toharness extraordinary human
potential for national securityor a misguided foray into the
realm of the paranormal?
The declassified files reveal acomplex and fascinating story,
one that raises more questionsthan it does answers.
(13:07):
While the official conclusionwas that remote viewing did not
produce actionable intelligence,the antidotes and testimonials
from those involved continue tofeel debates.
Some remain convinced that thepsychic abilities played a role
in intelligence gathering whileothers dismissed the entire
project as a pseudoscienceregardless of one's personal
(13:34):
beliefs.
Project.
Stargate stands as a uniquechapter in the history of
intelligence as a testament tothe human desire to explore the
unknown, to push the boundariesof what's possible.
Even if that means venturinginto the fringes of science and
the paranormal, we've onlyscratched the surface of this
(13:55):
complex topic today.
If you're interested in learningmore, we encourage you to
explore the declassifieddocuments available online.
Delve into the researchconducted at SRI inform your own
conclusions about the mysteriesof Project Stargate.
Thank you for joining us on thisexploration of Project Stargate.
(14:17):
This is the Rabbit HoleChronicles.
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