Via Satellite reports, “Rocket Lab reached a new record for revenue and annual launches in 2025, but its sunny financial progress was clouded by another delay for the first Neutron launch. Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck told investors on Thursday that after a stage 1 tank ruptured during testing in January, Rocket Lab uncovered a manufacturing defect in the tank. The company is making minor design changes to the first stage tank, which will now have to undergo a test and qualification campaign. This pushes the first launch to the fourth quarter of this year. ”
Full Story (Via Satellite)
Tag: aerospace engineering
Next-Gen Supersonic Platform Targets Evolving Missile and Drone Threats
The Defense Post reports, “SNC and Specter Aerospace are entering the high-speed arena with next-gen supersonic aerial effects, designed to counter hypersonic missiles and drone swarm threats. Company officials said the system will offer greater range than current alternatives, extending operational reach and enabling more effective mission execution.”
Full Story (Defense Post)
Space Force Eyes Faster Deployment of Space-Based Airborne Sensors
Breaking Defense reports, “The Space Force has seen positive results from experiments with space-based sensors to track airborne targets, and now is hoping to use incoming funds to speed capability to orbit, according to Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman.”
Full Story (Breaking Defense)
AIAA Announces 2026 Key Issues to Advance U.S. Aerospace Leadership
FROM THE INSTITUTE
The United States enters 2026 at a pivotal moment for aerospace. To help policymakers and the aerospace community focus on the most consequential priorities, the Institute has released its 2026 Key Issues. The Key Issues reflect AIAA’s mission as a neutral, technical convener at the intersection of government, industry, and academia. They are designed to support practical oversight, responsible modernization, and sustained U.S. leadership across the aerospace enterprise.
Uber, Joby Aviation Unveil ‘Uber Air’ eVTOL Service Ahead of 2026 Launch
Flying Magazine reports, “Uber as soon as this year will add a quiet, all-electric, aerial complement to its ground-based ride-hailing platform. Uber and Joby Aviation on Thursday unveiled ‘Uber Air’—a new, on-demand service using Joby’s four-passenger, electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi. Joby said it expects to carry its first passengers later this year in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where the partners shared a first look at Uber Air during a product and flight demonstration.”
Full Story (Flying Magazine)
ParaZero’s DefendAir Intercepts Drone Traveling 70 mph in Live Test
Unmanned Systems Technology reports, “ParaZero Technologies Ltd. has successfully intercepted a fast-moving drone traveling at 70mph during internal live testing of its DefendAir system. The trial utilized patented net-launching technology to achieve the first-ever successful net-based interception of an aerial threat at such high speeds for the company.”
Full Story (Unmanned Systems Technology)
Space Force Pauses Vulcan Missions Supporting National Security Payloads
Breaking Defense reports, “The Space Force is holding off on launching further national security payloads aboard United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket until an anomaly observed during a recent military mission is resolved, according to a top service official. ‘We are going to work through this anomaly until we launch again on Vulcan,’ Col. Eric Zarybnisky, the Space Force’s portfolio acquisition executive for assured access to space, said.”
Full Story (Breaking Defense)
Faculty Advisor Spotlight: Danilo de Camargo Branco, Florida Institute of Technology
FROM THE INSTITUTE
Danilo de Camargo Branco, Assistant Professor in the Department of Aerospace, Physics and Space Sciences at the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT), serves as the Faculty Advisor for the AIAA FIT Student Branch. He was recognized in 2025 with the AIAA Faculty Advisor Award for his extraordinary leadership, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to his student branch.
Space Exploration Educators Conference Delivers Inspiration, Recognition, and Hands-On Discovery
FROM THE INSTITUTE
The 32nd Space Exploration Educators Conference (SEEC) was held at Space Center Houston, 5–7 February 2026. The inspirational event brought together 600 STEM educators from all over the world to connect and gain invaluable hands-on experiences. In addition to hearing from impressive speakers and participating in sessions, attendees toured and explored iconic exhibits and labs at Space Center Houston and NASA Johnson Space Center.
Air Force Demonstrates Missile Evasion Using Onboard Tactical AI
Defense One reports, “Air Force test pilots used artificial intelligence aboard an experimental fighter jet to successfully evade a simulated incoming missile, showcasing how the service’s aviators may rely on AI in a future fight. Lockheed’s secretive Skunk Works research arm acknowledged the experiment Monday.”
Full Story (Defense One)