Author: Lawrence Garrett

Pickering Lecture to Feature NASA–ISRO Radar Mission’s Early Findings at ASCEND 2026

FROM THE INSTITUTE
Paul A. Rosen, project scientist at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), will deliver the Pickering Lecture at ASCEND 2026 on Thursday, 21 May. A 34-year NASA veteran and JPL Fellow who specializes in interferometric synthetic aperture radar (SAR), Rosen will detail early findings from the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission and how it is changing the ways scientists and agencies monitor Earth.

MQ-9 Reaper Demonstrates Precision Rocket Strike Capability

Aviation Week reports, “MQ-9 Reapers fired BAE Systems precision-guided rockets during a recent demonstration by General Atomics Aeronautics Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) and the U.S. Air Force. The medium-altitude, long-endurance uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) launched several Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) II rockets at ground and aerial targets on the Nevada Test and Training Range, the MQ-9 manufacturer said.”
Full Story (Aviation Week)

SpaceX Launches New Wave of NRO Reconnaissance Satellites

Spaceflight Now reports, “The National Reconnaissance Office flew its 13th mission supporting an intelligence-gathering constellation it calls the “proliferated architecture” on Monday night. As with the first dozen missions, this batch of satellites (of an undisclosed quantity) flew to orbit on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The mission, dubbed NROL-172, launched from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base. Liftoff happened at 7:13:50 p.m. PDT (10:13:50 p.m. EDT / 0213:50 UTC), nearly four hours after the opening of the window.”
Full Story (Spaceflight Now)

Video

SpaceX Falcon 9 launches NROL-172 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base. (Launch occurs at 30:26 mark)
Spaceflight Now: YouTube
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BryceTech to Steer Investment and Innovation Conversation at ASCEND 2026

FROM THE INSTITUTE
When ASCEND 2026 convenes in Washington, D.C., 19-21 May, BryceTech will step into a new role: curating a dedicated two-day track that aims to connect investors, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders across the commercial space ecosystem. “We set this up … with the theme of investment and innovators,” said Elaine Gresham, director of the Space Center of Excellence at BryceTech, explaining that 19 May is designated as Investors Day and 20 May as Innovators Day.

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NFL Veteran Joshua Dobbs Pursues Aviation Dreams in a Cirrus SR22

Flying Magazine reports, “Most professional athletes talk about life after football in vague, distant terms, something they’ll figure out when the time comes. Joshua Dobbs is unlike most professional athletes. The 31-year-old NFL quarterback, now entering his 10th professional season, holds an aerospace engineering degree from the University of Tennessee, has interned at NASA, runs a STEM-focused charitable foundation, and recently completed his private pilot license in a Cirrus SR22. He’s now weeks away from his IFR check ride.”
Full Story (Flying Magazine)

Solar Impulse 2, Famous for Around-the-World Flight, Crashes Into Gulf Waters

Aerotime reports, “Solar Impulse 2, the experimental solar-powered aircraft which became famous in 2016 after completing a global circumnavigation, has crashed into the sea off the coast of Mississippi on May 4, 2026.  The experimental aircraft was operating for Skydweller Aero, a company developing long-endurance, solar-powered platforms for surveillance and reconnaissance missions. This US-Spanish company acquired Solar Impulse 2 in 2019 and converted it to an unmanned aircraft for use in its own development programs.”
Full Story (Aerotime)

 

 

 Video

The Skydweller aircraft
(New Scientist; YouTube)

Call for Nominations for AIAA’s New 30/30 Recognition Program for Exceptional Young Professionals

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 11, 2026 – Reston, Va. – AIAA is pleased to announce its 30/30 Recognition Program for young professionals who embody excellence and innovation across the aerospace sector. AIAA will recognize 30 individuals in their 30s who are advancing aerospace through meaningful technical achievement, innovation and leadership early in their careers.

Nominations are now being accepted through 15 June 2026.

“30/30 builds on AIAA’s record of excellence in recognizing standout leaders in aerospace,” said AIAA CEO Clay Mowry. “This new program celebrates the next generation’s ingenuity. They are the future leaders and technical pioneers in our profession.”

This program’s timing comes as the aerospace industry continues to face a talent gap. The increasing demand for new technologically skilled workers is outpacing the supply of graduates. This problem compounded by an aging workforce and fierce competition for engineering talent from the technology sector.

AIAA has aligned the program with the Institute’s six technical divisions – Aerospace Design and Structures; Aerospace Sciences; Aircraft Technology, Integration, and Operations; Information Systems; Propulsion and Energy; and Space and Missiles. 30/30 also features a seventh grouping for nominations that don’t fit into the other categories.

AIAA will profile the top recipient from each category in the October–December print issue of its Aerospace America magazine, while all honorees will be recognized in the digital issue. In addition, they will enjoy one complimentary year of AIAA membership, one free registration to an AIAA forum or event in 2027, and exclusive leadership and engagement opportunities at AIAA events. These visibility opportunities include speaking at the Rising Stars in Aerospace sessions for mentoring and inspiring university students, and Rising Leaders in Aerospace sessions for peer networking and professional development.

*Consideration will also be given to nominees who are younger than 30 who have made notable accomplishments in their careers.

Media Contact: Rebecca Gray, [email protected], 804-397-5270 cell

About AIAA
AIAA is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With more than 33,000 individual members from 91 countries, and over 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. Visit www.aiaa.org or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X.