FROM THE INSTITUTE
The volume of data generated in space is increasing every day, and the concept of orbital data centers to handle it is receiving considerable attention. At a HUB session during ASCEND, The Aerospace Corporation’s Kelley Litzner presented and fielded questions on this hot tech topic.
Tag: AIAA News
vLEO Gains Momentum as Space Force, Industry Weigh Dual-Use Potential
FROM THE INSTITUTE
vLEO is emerging as a serious option in future space architectures for national security and commercial missions, panelists said at ASCEND 2026 on Wednesday. “It’s the perfect time for vLEO to be coming into its own,” said Spence Wise, senior vice president at Redwire, citing a convergence of technical readiness, operational demand, and commercial interest.
ISS National Lab Provides Fresh Lens on Aging and Health, Sparking Space Medicine Programs Nationwide
FROM THE INSTITUTE
The biological research onboard the International Space Station (ISS) over the last 26 years hasn’t only benefited astronauts; it’s driven new understanding of human health on the ground.
Pushing the Envelope: Licensing Process for Space Launches Catching Up to Demand but More Resources, Flexibility Needed
FROM THE INSTITUTE
The FAA’s approval process for regulating space launches is steadily improving due to recent streamlining efforts, but it must continue to evolve to sustain the dynamic ramp-up in activity in the coming years, government and industry leaders told ASCEND 2026.
Space Force Seeks More Innovations to Characterize Space Threats, General Says
FROM THE INSTITUTE
The Space Force, which is anticipating its biggest budget ever, must improve its “space domain awareness” as low Earth orbit becomes more crowded and adversaries pursue greater means to attack satellites and other assets, a top Space Force general told the ASCEND 2026 audience.
Experts Warn: Without Nuclear Power and National Will, America’s Lunar Future at Risk
FROM THE INSTITUTE
Policy and research experts from the University of Central Florida joined Arizona’s first space commissioner in a lively debate on America’s drive to the moon. The session explored what needs to happen from policy and technical perspectives to bring America’s lunar ambitions to fruition.
NASA Administrator Calls on Space Industry to Move with Urgency
FROM THE INSTITUTE
Jared Isaacman took the stage at ASCEND 2026’s opening plenary with a singular message: NASA is a fundamentally different agency – one that will act with urgency to return to the moon, build a permanent base there, and realize the economic potential of operating on the lunar surface.
SGx Delivered Real-World Insights for Rising Space Professionals
FROM THE INSTITUTE
Co-located for the first time with ASCEND, SGAC’s annual SGx event brought together students and young professionals from around the world for engaging, collaborative content. Attendees delved into current industry trends and worked to hone skills that will support them for a lifetime.
Inaugural ASCEND Classified Day Convenes 100 National Security, Intelligence, and Industry Leaders
FROM THE INSTITUTE
AIAA’s inaugural ASCEND Classified Day, hosted at The Aerospace Corporation’s corporate headquarters, provided the AIAA technical community an opportunity to hear directly from national leaders about what is needed to deliver continuing leadership in space and to address and dissect the pressing challenges for doing so.
Region V Student Conference Brings Together a Community to Share Ideas and Celebrate Innovation
From the Institute
From 26 to 27 March, the AIAA Region V Student Conference was held at Iowa State University. The conference included everything from engaging technical presentations to conversations with passionate high school and college students, and it was clear the future of aerospace is in incredibly capable hands. What stood out most was the community of students, faculty, and professionals all coming together to support one another, share ideas, and celebrate innovation.