The Billionaire Who Believes in Aliens (And Why He’s Betting His Fortune on It)

“UFOs exist, and I have the evidence to prove it.” – Robert Bigelow

Few billionaires spend their fortunes chasing extraterrestrials. Robert Bigelow, however, has devoted his life to proving that we are not alone in the universe. While mainstream scientists and aerospace moguls focus on colonizing Mars, Bigelow is looking much closer, believing that alien life is already here on Earth.

His convictions aren’t based on mere speculation. He has funded classified government research, led private investigations into UFO phenomena, and even developed aerospace technology for NASA. But what makes a billionaire gamble his empire on a belief that the scientific establishment often dismisses? And more importantly, what does he know that we don’t?

How Robert Bigelow Discovered the Secret to Pursuing the Unknown

Bigelow’s fascination with extraterrestrials dates back to childhood when his grandparents claimed they had encountered a UFO in the Nevada desert. That moment ignited a fire in him, but he first built his fortune through real estate, creating Budget Suites of America. Unlike many billionaires who stick to their industries, he pivoted, turning his wealth into a tool for uncovering the greatest mystery of our time.

In 1999, he founded Bigelow Aerospace, investing over $350 million of his own money into developing expandable space habitats. The BEAM module, a Bigelow invention, was later attached to the International Space Station in partnership with NASA. However, Bigelow’s space ambitions were always about more than just human expansion, he wanted to uncover what was already out there.

Bigelow’s commitment went beyond engineering. In the late 1990s, he established the National Institute for Discovery Science (NIDS), which secretly investigated UFO sightings and paranormal activities at Skinwalker Ranch, a property he purchased due to its long history of strange occurrences. His research attracted government attention, and in 2007, his company played a pivotal role in funding the Pentagon’s Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP), a $22 million initiative aimed at investigating unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs).

When asked by 60 Minutes whether he believed aliens had visited Earth, Bigelow didn’t hesitate:

“There has been and is an existing presence, an ET presence.”

Yet, the scientific community largely dismissed his claims, until declassified Pentagon reports revealed in 2020 that unidentified flying objects had indeed been observed moving at speeds and angles impossible for human technology.

Bigelow’s perseverance in chasing the unknown, despite mockery and skepticism, makes his story one of relentless pursuit. He didn’t wait for mainstream validation, he funded the search himself.

The Surprising Truth About Betting on Unpopular Beliefs

“People tend to ignore things they don’t understand.” – Robert Bigelow

Bigelow’s life teaches us a powerful lesson: conviction is meaningless without action.

Most people wait for proof before they commit to an idea. Bigelow did the opposite, he invested millions, knowing that discovery rarely happens without risk.

His approach mirrors other historical visionaries who faced skepticism before their ideas became mainstream:

• Galileo Galilei, who defied the Catholic Church’s geocentric model, risking his freedom to prove the Earth revolves around the sun.
• Nikola Tesla, who was ridiculed for believing in wireless electricity.
• Elon Musk, who was called “insane” for suggesting reusable rockets, now the foundation of modern space travel.

Dr. Avi Loeb, a Harvard astrophysicist, argues that science often resists radical ideas until undeniable evidence forces acceptance. Loeb himself faced criticism when he suggested that ‘Oumuamua,’ a mysterious interstellar object, could be an alien probe.

Bigelow embodies this principle: rather than waiting for approval, he acted. His investments in space research, UFO studies, and even investigations into life after death aren’t just passion projects, they challenge the way we define reality.

How to Apply This Lesson in 3 Simple Steps

Step 1: Act Before You Have Full Proof

Bigelow didn’t wait for absolute confirmation before investing millions into aerospace technology or UFO research. Similarly, pioneers in any industry must take action before full validation.

A case study in this mindset is Steve Jobs, who launched the iPhone when touchscreens were still considered futuristic. By betting on his belief in a screen-only device, he revolutionized communication.

📌 Action Step: If you believe in an idea, take the smallest possible step today. Whether it’s writing a proposal, creating a prototype, or reaching out to industry experts, move forward despite uncertainty.

Step 2: Seek Experts & Build Credibility

Bigelow didn’t work alone. His company partnered with NASA, hired top aerospace engineers, and collaborated with Pentagon officials. Despite mainstream skepticism, these partnerships legitimized his work.

📌 Action Step: Connect with experts who can validate or refine your vision. If you’re working on a disruptive idea, seek mentorship or find a network of professionals who share your curiosity.

Step 3: Become Part of the Search, With Just Your Phone

You don’t need millions of dollars to contribute to UFO research. Scientists now enable the public to help scan for alien signals using smartphones.

The SETI@home project, for example, allows anyone to donate computing power to analyze radio signals from space. Similarly, some research organizations offer apps that turn your phone into a data-collecting tool for scanning the night sky.

📌 Action Step: If you want to join the search for extraterrestrial life, download an app like SETI@home or SkyView and participate in real-time alien signal tracking. Even simple actions, like observing meteor showers, reporting UFO sightings, or studying the latest UAP reports, can bring you closer to the world to which Bigelow has dedicated his life.

The One-Sentence Takeaway You’ll Never Forget

“True visionaries don’t wait for permission to believe, they create the proof themselves.”

If Robert Bigelow’s story resonates with you, share this article with someone who needs a push to pursue their boldest ideas. 🚀