This report provides a comprehensive look back at this year’s forum, from attendee demographics and the technical program to the Expo Hall and the HUB. Explore media highlights, digital engagement, and other key moments.
Tag: aerospace engineering
Honda Positions Hybrid eVTOL as New Path for Urban Air Mobility
AirInsight reports, “After four years in ‘stealth mode,’ Honda revealed at the Dubai Airshow 2025 that its hybrid eVTOL program is far more advanced than anyone outside the company knew, with over 400 flight tests already completed.”
Full Story (AirInsight)
Video
Honda’s first full-scale hybrid eVTOL prototype
AIN; YouTube; Framegrab
Call for Technical Experts for Standards
FROM THE INSTITUTE
AIAA is now the Committee Manager and US TAG for ISO TC20/SC 16 Uncrewed Aircraft System which leads international standardization in the field of advanced air mobility and uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS). The committee is looking for technical experts to support its work in developing International Standards to provide a framework and guidance for government, public and private stakeholders involved in the safe and effective design, procurement, deployment and operation of Counter UAS equipment intended to be deployed in all fixed, mobile and transportable civilian environments. Experts in the field of cybersecurity aspects specific to UAS are also encouraged to particiate.
U.S. Lawmakers Move to Keep ISS Operational Through 2032
SPACE reports that Congress is pushing to extend the International Space Station’s life by two years, to give commercial outposts more time to step into its shoes.
Full Story (SPACE)
Aerospace Momentum Builds in the Carolinas: AIAA Symposium Showcases Regional Innovation
FROM THE INSTITUTE
UNC Charlotte hosted the 2026 AIAA Carolina Aerospace Symposium on February 21st at the Energy Production and Infrastructure Center (EPIC), bringing together more than 80 participants from across North and South Carolina. Organized and promoted by the AIAA Carolina Section, the event highlighted the region’s growing strength in aerospace research, education, and industry collaboration.
The R&D Decisions that Will Shape the Success of Golden Dome
FROM THE INSTITUTE
Golden Dome for America represents one of the most intricate homeland defense initiatives the Pentagon has contemplated since the conclusion of the Cold War. Public discussions have understandably centered on the effectiveness of space-based sensors, space-based interceptors (SBIs), or layered terrestrial systems in defending against evolving missile threats. However, a possibly more pressing concern at this juncture is the necessity to articulate the applied research and development (R&D) strategy and approach.
NASA Taps ULA’s Centaur V to Power Future SLS Upper Stage
Spaceflight Now reports, “NASA officially selected United Launch Alliance’s Centaur 5 as the upper stage for its Space Launch System rocket starting with the Artemis 4 mission, scheduled to launch no earlier than early 2028. The Centaur 5 was developed as the upper stage of ULA’s Vulcan rocket. The launch vehicle flew four times since its debut in January 2024 and the upper stage performed well across all flights.”
Full Story (Spaceflight Now)
Autonomous C-130J Program Reaches Design Review Milestone
Flying Magazine reports, “The U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is one step closer to flying the C-130J Super Hercules—one of its workhorse tactical airlift and transport aircraft—with zero human input. Boston-based Merlin Labs on Thursday announced the completion of preliminary design review (PDR) for its C-130J Super Hercules autonomy program with USSOCOM, under which it is working toward demonstration flights with a modified Hercules.”
Full Story (Flying Magazine)
Japan’s Next-Generation HTV-X Cargo Vehicle Leaves ISS After Four Months
SPACE reports, “Japan’s new HTV-X cargo spacecraft departed the International Space Station today (March 6) after a four-month stay. The vehicle — known as HTV-X1, because it’s the first of its kind — was released by the station’s Canadarm2 robotic arm today at 12 p.m. EST (1700 GMT), right on schedule.”
Full Story (SPACE)
Video
JAXA’s uncrewed HTV-X1 cargo spacecraft departs from the ISS, after arriving Oct. 29, 2025.
NASA; YouTube
AIAA Announces 2026 Priority Issues to Advance U.S. Aerospace Leadership
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 9, 2026 – Reston, Va. – AIAA CEO Clay Mowry announced the 2026 Priority Issues confronting the aerospace industry spanning aviation, national security, research and development, and space domains. AIAA is the world’s largest aerospace professional society representing over 33,000 engineers and 100 corporate members. AIAA’s 2026 Priority Issues are designed to inform policymakers and industry leaders on the most pressing issues affecting U.S. aerospace competitiveness, leadership and safety.
“Preserving America’s leadership position in aerospace requires the modernization of our aviation infrastructure, investment in R&D, a resilient industrial base, and clear, responsible policy frameworks that enable innovation while protecting national security,” Mowry said. AIAA’s 2026 Priority Issues reflect those hard realities in an increasingly competitive global aerospace marketplace.”
2026 Priority Issues
Aviation
- Air traffic control and infrastructure modernization through sustained FAA Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) investment
- Advanced air mobility and autonomous flight integration
- Advanced materials and manufacturing technologies, including qualification, supply-chain, and workforce constraints
National Security
- Golden Dome for America/multi-layered defense readiness, including industrial-base, supply chain, and qualification standards
- Smart sustainment approaches to right-to-repair
- Acquisition reform to deliver capability at the speed of relevance
Research & Development
- R&D leadership and investment in laboratories and test infrastructure
- Internal research and development (IRAD) incentives and tax policy
- Academic ITAR and export-control modernization to protect the STEM pipeline
Space
- NASA budget growth, safety, and preserving science leadership
- The race to the Moon and Mars, including norms of behavior in cislunar space
- Space traffic management and space situational awareness for orbital safety
AIAA will engage with Congress, the administration, state and local officials throughout 2026 to provide technical expertise, standards development, and fora to support these priorities.
Media Contact: Rebecca Gray, [email protected], 804-397-5270 cell
About AIAA
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (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. For more information, visit www.aiaa.org, and follow AIAA on LinkedIn, Instagram, X/Twitter, and Facebook.