Experts explored how storytelling, entertainment‑industry practices, and other more artistic careers can influence engineering, and vice versa. Danica Vallone, Board Member and Founder, Organization for Space Medicine, Engineering, and Design; Ted Southern, Softgoods Division Manager for Paragon Space Development; and Brook Willard, Vice President of Development, Making Space Agency, took the stage to describe how science and art can inform each other.
Tag: Aeronautics
Boeing’s Deliveries Hit Seven-year High as Production Recovery Accelerates
CNBC reports, “Boeing is set to report this week that it delivered the most airplanes since 2018 last year after it stabilized its production, the clearest sign of a turnaround yet after years of safety crisesand snowballing quality defects. Now, the aerospace giant is planning to ramp up production.”
Full Story (CNBC)
Archer Partners with NVIDIA for AI-assisted Operations
Aerotime reports, “Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) developer Archer Aviation has selected the NVIDIA IGX Thor platform to support its future operations. This advanced software platform uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help pilots and operators assess the operational circumstances and take the right decisions in safety-critical environments. NVIDIA’s IGX Thor is the most powerful safety-capable AI computing module currently offered by the technology giant.”
Full Story (Aerotime)
Alaska Airlines Places Record Order for 110 Boeing Jets to Fuel Expansion
The New York Times reports, “Alaska Airlines said on Wednesday that it would buy 110 Boeing planes, part of an ambitious plan for growth fueled by its recent acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines. The order is the largest in the airline’s history and will support Alaska’s expansion, including to destinations abroad.”
Full Story (New York Times – Subscription Publication)
Aerospace America Opens the Year with its January–March Issue
FROM THE INSTITUTE
After a landmark year for aerospace, 2026 is shaping up to be even more pivotal. In the first print issue of the year, Aerospace America explores efforts to modernize U.S. air traffic control, the influence of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on small drone development, the state of hypersonics research, and much more.
Full Story (Aerospace America)
Lockheed Delivers Record 191 F-35s in 2025 as Production Accelerates
Reuters reports, “Lockheed Martin said on Wednesday it delivered 191 F-35 fighter jets in 2025 to the United States and its allies, a record for the program. ‘Annual F-35 production is now running at a pace five times faster than any other allied fighter currently in production,’ the company said in a statement.”
Full Story (Reuters)
Air Force Taps Boeing to Begin B-52 Commercial Engine Replacement
Defense News reports, “In December the Air Force awarded Boeing Defense Systems a more than $2 billion contract to start the first engine replacements on the B-52H Stratofortress, marking a major step forward for the overhaul of the venerable Cold War-era bomber. In a Dec. 23 contract announcement, the Pentagon stated that the task order for the Commercial Engine Replacement Program, or CERP, requires Boeing to modify a pair of B-52s with new engines and associated subsystems — and then test the aircraft.”
Full Story (Defense News)
SpaceX Stacks Super Heavy Booster for Starship’s 12th Test Flight
SpaceX recently stacked the giant Super Heavy booster that will help launch the upcoming 12th test flight of the company’s Starship megarocket. SPACE reports, “On Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), the company posted a photo on X of the shiny Super Heavy booster that will conduct Starship Flight 12 standing in a high bay at its Starbase facility in South Texas.”
Full Story (SPACE)
Heavy-Lift Cargo Drones Streamline Alpine Logistics at Val Gardena World Cup
Unmanned Systems Technology reports, “The organizers of the FIS Ski World Cup in Val Gardena recently integrated FlyingBasket heavy-lift cargo drones into their preparation phase to manage logistics in complex alpine environments. Between December 15 and 16, the FlyingBasket FB3 cargo drone was deployed to transfer television production equipment and technical materials to key locations on the slopes. Designed to carry loads of up to 100 kg, the drone operated at altitudes that typically necessitate the use of heavy vehicles or intensive manual labor.”
Full Story (Unmanned Systems Technology)
Video
FB3 Cargo drone
FlyingBasket; YouTube
AIAA Mid-Atlantic Section Conference Brings Students and Professionals Together
FROM THE INSTITUTE
On 21 November, the AIAA Mid-Atlantic Section held its annual Young Professionals, Students, and Educators Conference at JHUAPL. The conference – a flagship event for the section – brings together high school, undergrad, and graduate students, as well as educators and young professionals from all over the East Coast and beyond. Presenters shared their research and networked with professionals from a wide variety of aerospace specialties and disciplines.