FROM THE INSTITUTE
The Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets invites submissions for its Modeling for Space Sustainability virtual collection. This collection seeks papers that advance space environment modeling or demonstrate model-driven decision support for managing and preserving the space environment, particularly in Low Earth Orbit. Manuscript submissions are due by 31 August 2026.
Tag: aerospace engineering
SpaceX Launches First Block 2 BlueBird Satellites for AST SpaceMobile
Spaceflight Now reports, “AST SpaceMobile bounced back from the loss of its BlueBird 7 satellite last month with the launch of three more in the predawn hours of Wednesday morning. The company launched BlueBird 8, 9, and 10 onboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.”
Full Story (Spaceflight Now)
Video
SpaceX Launches First Block 2 BlueBird Satellites for AST SpaceMobile (Launch occurs at the 1:00:28 mark)
Spaceflight Now; YouTube; Framegrab
From Boomless Cruise to Overture, Boom Bets on Passenger-Centric Design
US Navy Jet Trainer Competition Down to Two Final Contenders
Aviation News reports, “The US Navy’s Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) competition has officially narrowed to just two remaining aerospace competitors following high-profile industry withdrawals. This high-stakes defense acquisition program will ultimately deliver the next-generation aircraft platform required to train future Navy and Marine Corps aviators.”
Full Story (Aviation Week)
Internal Research and Development, Tax Policy, and the Future of U.S. Aerospace Innovation
FROM THE INSTITUTE
Internal Research and Development (IR&D represents the commitment of private companies by investing their own resources to push the boundaries of technology, often ahead of any official government requirements or contracts. This approach has been the backbone of America’s aerospace leadership, allowing firms to take on early financial and technical risks with the intent of creating groundbreaking systems.
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics’ CIO Resists AI Hype, Looks to Speed of Workflows as the Big Opportunity Now
FROM THE INSTITUTE
Renee Pasman offered a working definition of artificial intelligence that cut against the prevailing excitement. “I tend to think of AI as software that has non-deterministic outcomes,” the vice president, chief information officer, and digital transformation executive for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics told an AIAA AVIATION Forum audience.
Canadarm2 Malfunction Prompts Upcoming ISS Spacewalk
SPACE reports a part of Canadarm2 robotic arm on the ISS broke in May, requiring repairs by spacewalking astronauts no earlier than June 30. A spare is already on the…
Full Story (SPACE)
NASA X-59 Reaches Mach 1.4 at Mission Altitude
Aviation Week reports, “NASA’s X-59 Quesst low-boom supersonic demonstrator achieved Mach 1.4 at 55,000 ft. on June 12, representing the speed and altitude planned for flights over U.S. communities to measure the public response to reduced sonic booms.”
Full Story (Aviation Week)
Space Force Advances Plans for New Vandenberg Launch Pad
Spaceflight Now reports, “The U.S. Space Force is seeking potential users of a new launch site at Vandenberg Space Force Base reserved for smaller rockets. The Space Force released a request for information June 8 seeking interest from launch vehicle operators in Space Launch Complex (SLC) 9, a proposed launch site at Vandenberg that would be used for small- and medium-class launch vehicles. Responses to the RFI are due July 8.”
Full Story (Spaceflight Now)
Vaeridion Signs New Microliner Deals, Partners with General Atomics
Aviation International News reports, “Electric aircraft developer Vaeridion inked letters of intent (LOI) for more than 100 of its nine-passenger Microliners with six prospective European operators. Reporting the deals at the ILA air show in Berlin on June 10, the German start-up also announced a partnership with drone manufacturer General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, which will use Vaeridion’s battery technology.”
Full Story (Aviation International News)