FROM THE INSTITUTE
At AIAA SciTech Forum, a new student-focused career development program made a powerful debut—drawing packed rooms, buzzing conversations, and a palpable sense of momentum for the next generation of aerospace leaders. Designed as a full-day immersive experience, the Career Accelerator Program put university students front and center, equipping them with practical tools, inspiration, and direct access to industry leaders.
Tag: AIAA SciTech Forum
Meet Jenna Eppink, 2026 AIAA Engineer of the Year
FROM THE INSTITUTE
Jenna Eppink was recognized as the 2026 Engineer of the Year at AIAA SciTech Forum in January in Orlando. She received the award for her significant contributions to flow measurement and near-body flow physics. As part of NASA Langley’s Flow Physics and Control Branch, Eppink’s technical innovation is expanding NASA’s research capabilities and setting new standards in experimental aerodynamics.
AIAA SciTech Goes Inside the High-Tech World of Formula 1
“You’re driving a car on adrenaline and playing a chess game at the same time. That’s what wins most of these races.” That’s how Arbi Karapetian, Formula 1’s new director of Innovation & Technology, described the highly competitive, tech-driven world of F1 racing on the second day of AIAA SciTech Forum.
Industry Innovation: Art and Design Meet in Space
Experts explored how storytelling, entertainment‑industry practices, and other more artistic careers can influence engineering, and vice versa. Danica Vallone, Board Member and Founder, Organization for Space Medicine, Engineering, and Design; Ted Southern, Softgoods Division Manager for Paragon Space Development; and Brook Willard, Vice President of Development, Making Space Agency, took the stage to describe how science and art can inform each other.
Peggy Whitson Opens AIAA SciTech Forum, Celebrating ISS Era and the Transition to Commercial Space Stations
Astronaut and Axiom Space’s Director of Human Spaceflight Peggy Whitson opened AIAA SciTech Forum 2026 in Orlando with an inspirational message about the future of space as the International Space Station (ISS), in orbit for 25 years, transitions to commercially run stations by 2030.
Aerospace Next
FROM THE INSTITUTE
As we enter 2026, our community stands on the threshold of tomorrow. The future of aerospace won’t be shaped by a single researcher or “eureka” moment. Rather, necessity will drive experimentation and risk-taking, leading to the next breakthroughs. AIAA will connect people doing this vital work as we look to our north star, to be the most trusted source for aerospace knowledge exchange. I look forward to everything we will learn together at AIAA SciTech Forum this week as it propels us toward the next wave of aerospace breakthroughs.
Celebrating 30 Years of the AIAA Foundation
FROM THE INSTITUTE
For three decades, the AIAA Foundation has promoted aerospace education, recognized excellence, and inspired future aerospace professionals. “The AIAA Foundation has been a powerful force in helping countless students and educators discover the wonder of aerospace,” remarked AIAA President Dan Hastings. As we celebrate the Foundation’s 30th anniversary, we recognize that strong support by AIAA members has enabled the Foundation to achieve significant impact. We invite you to explore our Silent Auction in the HUB at AIAA SciTech Forum to continue your support. Bids must be in by 10 am on Thursday.
Early-Bird Registration for AIAA SciTech Forum Ends Today
Aerospace America: U.S. Air Force Electrified Aircraft Program Gets Help From Congress on Tech Transition Goal
ORLANDO, Fla. – Aerospace America reports, “The director of the division that runs the U.S. Air Force program to research emerging electric aircraft, AFWERX Agility Prime, is eager to see one or more of those aircraft designs transitioned into active military service.
Full Story (Aerospace America)
Aerospace America: Bringing Home a Piece of Space History
ORLANDO, Fla. – Aerospace America reports, “Authors of a technical paper at the 2025 AIAA SciTech Forum describe how Vanguard 1, the second U.S. satellite, could be retrieved, analyzed and displayed at one of the Smithsonian museums.”
Full Story (Aerospace America)