Tag: AIAA News

March 2026: The Goddard Centennial

FROM THE INSTITUTE
This March 16th will mark the 100th anniversary of Dr. Robert Goddard’s historic first flight of a liquid propulsion rocket, back in 1926. That flight is rocketry’s closest equivalent of the Wright Brothers’ first flight of an airplane at Kitty Hawk in 1903. And just like the similarly historic Kitty Hawk flight, Goddard’s pioneering first liquid propulsion flight opened the way to a world-changing future that all of humankind benefits from today.

AIAA SciTech Forum 2026 Event Recap Published

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.

Learn More

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.

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.

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.

Faculty Advisor Spotlight: Arif Malik, University of Texas at Dallas

FROM THE INSTITUTE
Arif Malik, an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), was one of six faculty advisors selected to receive the 2025 AIAA Faculty Advisor Award in recognition of his extraordinary efforts in growing and mentoring the UTD student branch. Through his leadership, the student branch has strengthened its internal community while expanding collaboration with AIAA’s Region IV and other professional organizations.

AIAA Fellow Yousuff Hussaini Died in February 2026

FROM THE INSTITUTE
Mohammad Yousuff Hussaini, Ph.D., died on 16 February 2026. Hussaini was a renowned applied mathematician and computational engineer with a strong interest in the education and training of young scientists.

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.