FROM THE INSTITUTE
If you’re building a space startup, be ready for difficult fundraising cycles, lengthy government sales processes, and hiring decisions that can make or break your company – but also for a community of founders and mentors willing to offer support when things get hard. That was the central message from the Founders Panel at ASCEND 2026, an annual event created and moderated by Rob Meyerson, CEO of Interlune and event co-founder.
Author: Lawrence Garrett
Researching Aerospace Stakeholder Engagement at the 2026 Regional Studies Association Annual Conference
FROM THE INSTITUTE
As AIAA programming is traditionally led by engineers with the inclusion of other members of the stakeholder ecosystem, Ashira Beutler-Greene’s goal was…
Report Links China’s Rocket Stage Abandonment to Rising Orbital Collision Risks
Breaking Defense reports, “China has been abandoning used launcher rocket stages in low Earth orbit (LEO) at an ever-increasing pace, putting both military and commercial satellites in that crowded orbital regime at greater risk of serious debris-creating collisions, according to a new report.”
Full Story (Breaking Defense)
Beta, Surf Air Test Electric Aircraft for Hawaii Inter-Island Routes
Aviation International News reports, “Beta Technologies and Surf Air Mobility have started flying the all-electric Alia CX300 across Hawaii to test whether battery-powered aircraft can serve the state’s short inter-island cargo and passenger routes. The demonstration campaign, which began Thursday, will run roughly six to eight weeks.”
Full Story (Aviation International News)
AIAA Named Finalist for PR Daily’s 2026 Marketing Awards
FROM THE INSTITUTE
The Institute was named a finalist in PR Daily’s 2026 Marketing Awards for two initiatives: its brand relaunch and the redesign of Aerospace America’s website. The awards, presented by Ragan Communications and PR Daily, recognize organizations advancing marketing through creativity, strategy, and measurable results.
“Wow, That Space Thing Is Pretty Cool”: STEM Payoff on Display at ASCEND
FROM THE INSTITUTE
Ava Crowder, a high school junior in Virginia, has conducted research on a rust-eating bacteria to determine how it might perform in microgravity. Eva Astrada, another high school student from Texas, worked with a NASA astronaut on an experiment for the International Space Station. The pair attended ASCEND 2026 to share their experiences with the nonprofit Higher Orbits.
Space Force Taps Boeing for Two New MUOS Military Communications Satellites
Defense Daily reports, “The U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command has awarded Boeing [BA] a $2 billion contract for the next two Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellites. Fielded in 2019, four MUOS geosynchronous satellites–built by incumbent Lockheed Martin [LMT]–provide military forces ultra high frequency (UHF) voice and data communications.”
Full Story (Defense Daily)
AIAA and Thunderbird at ASU Launch Global Space Leadership and Strategy Series
FROM THE INSTITUTE
AIAA and Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University (Thunderbird) announced the launch of the Global Space Leadership and Strategy Series, a new executive-level online program designed to prepare leaders for the increasingly complex, global, and high-stakes space economy.
Technology Is Ready, Systems Are Not: AVIATION Forum Probes Electric Aviation’s Next Hurdles
FROM THE INSTITUTE
Electric aviation may have proven it can fly, but whether it can scale is now the central question, according to industry and government experts at AIAA AVIATION Forum 2026. The session explored how more electric and hybrid‑electric aircraft can transition from high‑profile demonstrations to routine service in regional markets.
Call for Technical Briefings Now Open for AIAA DEFENSE Forum
FROM THE INSTITUTE
The Institute is requesting technical briefings for AIAA DEFENSE Forum 2027. Share your ideas and contribute to shaping the 2027 forum program. Deadline: 13 August 2026.