Aerotime reports, “Whisper Aero has unveiled new details of its JetFoil propulsion concept, a distributed electric ducted fan system designed to give aircraft short or near-vertical takeoff capability without exposed rotors or tilting propulsors. The company presented the update during SAE International’s AeroTech 2026 event in West Palm Beach, Florida, where Whisper Aero co-founder and CEO Mark Moore received the 2026 AIAA F.E. Newbold V/STOL Award.”
Full Story (Aerotime)
Tag: aerospace engineering
After Launch Pad Setback, Blue Origin Eyes New Glenn Return in 2026
Spaceflight Now reports, “Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp, in an overnight post on the social media platform X, said propellant tanks at launch pad 36 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station made it through the blast in good shape, as did a nearby processing hangar. The main support gantry, while damaged, can be repaired in place.”
Full Story (Spaceflight Now)
Recognize an Emerging Aerospace Leader
FROM THE INSTITUTE
AIAA’s new 30/30 Program honors 30 exceptional early-career aerospace professionals in their 30s who are redefining what’s possible. Honorees will represent the best and brightest from across the aerospace sector. Nominations are open through 15 June 2026.
Isaacman Says Blue Origin Launch Complex May Not Return to Service Until 2028
CNBC reports, “NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman on Monday told CNBC that it will ‘take some serious time’ to restore the launchpad damaged last week by a Blue Origin rocket explosion. Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin was conducting a hot-fire test of its massive New Glenn rocket on Thursday at a Space Force launch facility in Cape Canaveral, Florida, when the rocket erupted into a fireball. Bezos confirmed that all Blue Origin personnel were safe following the incident, and pledged to rebuild, while calling it a ‘very rough day.'”
Full Story (CNBC)
Electra Completes First Urban Flight of EL2 Ultra-Short Demonstrator
Aviation International News reports, “Electra Aero has completed the first urban flight of its hybrid-electric EL2 ‘ultra-short’ technology demonstrator aircraft, landing on a pier in downtown Charleston, South Carolina. The exceptional short takeoff and landing performance is based on the blown-lift technology being used to develop the full-scale EL9 aircraft it aims to certify under U.S. Part 23 rules in 2029.”
Full Story (Aviation International News)
AIAA AVIATION Forum 2026 Looks Toward the Future of Aviation
FROM THE INSTITUTE
The AIAA AVIATION Forum 2026 will open on 8 June, in San Diego, with five days spanning commercial aviation, defense, academia, and emerging technology. More than 300 speakers will appear throughout the forum, drawn from leading aviation companies, defense and civil government agencies, and top research universities around the world. One of the key differentiators of AIAA events is the deep technical content, with more than 800 technical papers to be presented throughout the week.
Regional Rivalries, National Imperative: State Governments Pick Up the Pace in Space Race
FROM THE INSTITUTE
A growing number of states are taking proactive steps to marshal their public and private sectors and academia to grow the commercial space industry, offering…
India’s Space Ambitions Take Center Stage at ASCEND as ISRO Wins AIAA’s Highest Honor
FROM THE INSTITUTE
At ASCEND in May, AIAA saluted India’s space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), with its highest honor, the Goddard Astronautics Award…
Volatus Aerospace Clears Key Milestone in U.S. Drone Dominance Initiative
Unmanned Systems Technology reports, “Volatus Aerospace Inc. has been selected to advance to the next phase of evaluation under Phase II of the U.S. Drone Dominance Program.”
Full Story (Unmanned Systems Technology)
Blue Origin Investigates New Glenn Explosion as Mission Delays Loom
Via Satellite reports, “Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket faces a major setback after an explosion on the launch pad at Cape Canaveral on Thursday evening. This explosion will likely impact timelines for the rocket’s customers Amazon Leo, AST SpaceMobile, NASA, and its national security certification for the U.S. Space Force.”
Full Story (Via Satellite)