Tag: AIAA Statement

AIAA Statement on the Passing of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 4, 2024 – Reston, Va. –The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) CEO Dan Dumbacher made the following statement:

“AIAA mourns the passing of former Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) who led the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee from 2019 until 2023, when she retired from Congress.

Chairwoman Johnson was a champion for STEM education and the advancement of science. We applaud her efforts to pass the Broadening Participation in STEM Education Act that authorized the director of the National Science Foundation to award grants to minorities in underrepresented minority groups receiving STEM degrees. Her leadership has led to advancing the aerospace workforce, not only for her constituents but for the entire country. We appreciated her strong support for NASA, as well as her leading role in crafting and moving the CHIPS Act and Science bill.

On behalf of the Institute’s nearly 30,000 professional, student, and educator members, our prayers go out to her family and loved ones.”

AIAA 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 nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org, and follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

AIAA Statement on the Axiom Space AX-3 Launch

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 18, 2024 – Reston, Va. –  The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) CEO Dan Dumbacher made the following statement:

“On behalf of the 30,000 professional and student members of AIAA, we congratulate the entire Axiom Space team on its successful AX-3 launch onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. We applaud this private mission to the International Space Station (ISS), showing how NASA and private industry are working together to extend the human neighborhood into low Earth orbit.

It is exciting to anticipate the AX-3 crew’s busy schedule onboard the ISS orbiting laboratory, conducting more than 30 scientific investigations into human health and well-being, radiation exposure, genetic expression, and Earth observations. This meaningful research in space is expanding our scientific knowledge as we witness the space economy growing. These explorers and innovators are working to improve life on Earth and accelerate our off-world future. We look forward to following their progress.

We recognize the countless aerospace industry professionals involved in making this mission a success. We salute AIAA Corporate Member Axiom Space, as they collaborate with NASA and SpaceX. They are shaping the future of aerospace.”

AIAA 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 nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org or follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Video

AX-3 launch onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center at 4:49 p.m. EST on Thursday, January 18.
(Spaceflight Now; YouTube)

AIAA Statement on the IM-1 Mission

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 22, 2024 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) CEO Dan Dumbacher made the following statement:

“Congratulations to the IM-1 mission team on the successful soft landing at the south pole of the moon! We were thrilled watching the Odysseus lander’s journey to the lunar surface unfold in real time. Today marks a truly historic space exploration milestone due to the unique government-industry collaboration between NASA and Intuitive Machines. We are eagerly following the mission’s progress in the coming days.

As the world’s largest technical society for aerospace professionals, our members appreciate and understand the difficulty of this mission’s engineering challenges targeting a landing in the moon’s south pole region. It’s vital to gain engineering and science data from this uncrewed mission as a precursor to Artemis returning Americans to the lunar surface in the coming years.

We were honored to hear from the Intuitive Machines team just last week at our ASCENDxTexas event in Houston, 14–15 February. The innovators at Intuitive Machines and their partners have chronicled the development of their mission, including the spacecraft, flight software, and camera, by authoring articles for AIAA peer-reviewed journals, as well as presenting meeting papers at AIAA forums and ASCEND events. Their technological progress has been published in AIAA’s Aerospace Research Central (ARC) at arc.aiaa.org, the leading source of aerospace industry archives. These noteworthy publications provide valuable insight into their preparation for this day:

We’re witnessing somewhat of a lunar renaissance. Multiple missions from companies and governments are advancing the development of a sustainable cislunar ecosystem and economy. We appreciate the transparency and ongoing public communication throughout the missions. It is heartening that these missions are also capturing the imagination of the general public around the world, as everyone on Earth benefits from exploring our moon.

On behalf of the 30,000 professional and student members of AIAA, we recognize the numerous aerospace industry professionals involved in making this mission a success. We salute and applaud the entire IM-1 team for shaping the future of aerospace.”

AIAA 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 nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org or follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Video

Intuitive Machines Lunar Landing on NASATV 22 Feb. 2024
(NASA TV; YouTube)

AIAA Statement on NASA’s Psyche Launch

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 13, 2023 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Executive Director Dan Dumbacher made the following statement:

“Congratulations to NASA on today’s successful launch to study the metal-rich asteroid Psyche. We believe this mission is fueled by our human drive to learn more about the origins of our solar system. We look forward to following the mission’s progress.

We commend NASA’s entire Psyche team, including AIAA Corporate Members: NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Maxar Technologies, and SpaceX, along with Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Arizona State University (ASU) in Tempe, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Malin Space Science Systems, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, NASA Glenn Research Center, NASA Headquarters, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Planetary Science Institute, Smithsonian Institution, Southwest Research Institute, University of Arizona, University of California Los Angeles, Yale University, and over a dozen other universities and research institutions. We applaud the international partnership on this mission with the German Space Agency (DLR), the Côte d’Azur Observatory in France, and Technical University of Denmark.

On behalf of the 30,000 professional and student members of AIAA, we recognize the professionals in the aerospace industry involved in making this mission a success. We applaud the Psyche team for making important contributions to shaping the future of aerospace.”

AIAA 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 nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org, and follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

AIAA Statement on Successful Starliner Launch

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 5, 2024 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) issued the following statement from AIAA CEO Dan Dumbacher:

“Congratulations to the entire Starliner team and NASA Astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita Williams on their launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida. We are excited to witness this new capability coming online. The entire team has worked diligently to address the challenges in reaching this day. We will be eagerly following the crew’s journey.

This mission demonstrates the powerful collaboration that is part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, including the launch of Boeing’s Starliner capsule on an Atlas V rocket provided by United Launch Alliance (ULA). This program is important to open up access to space for more human activities. The Starliner mission is helping extend the human neighborhood beyond planet Earth.

On behalf of the 30,000 professional and student members of AIAA, congratulations to the entire Starliner team on their accomplishment. AIAA recognizes the countless industry professionals who have helped design, build, test, and operate Starliner. We applaud NASA and AIAA Corporate Partner Boeing and AIAA Corporate Member ULA, along with the entire Starliner team, for taking this step forward in shaping the future of aerospace.”

Media contact: Rebecca B. Gray, [email protected], 804-397-5270

About AIAA
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org, or follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram.

 

Video

ULA Atlas V Launch with Boeing’s Starliner Capsule
(VideoFromSpace; YouTube; Launch occurs at 4:09:32)

AIAA Statement on the Virgin Galactic Mission ‘Galactic 01’

June 29, 2023 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Executive Director Dan Dumbacher made the following statement:

“On behalf of the 30,000 professional and student members of AIAA, we congratulate Virgin Galactic on its successful flight today of ‘Galactic 01.’ We are eager to witness the start of its commercial spaceflight service in the coming months as a major step forward in humanity’s quest to extend the human neighborhood beyond planet Earth.

Virgin Galactic is helping move us closer to the day when space travel is widely accessible to people everywhere. Their collective perseverance is admirable, reminding us of how we must accelerate innovation in space with the utmost focus on safety and our shared humanity.

We recognize the countless professionals in the aerospace industry involved in making this mission a success, from design to fabrication, to testing, to operations. We salute and applaud the Virgin Galactic team for making important contributions to shaping the future of aerospace.”

AIAA Media Contact: Rebecca Gray, [email protected], 804-397-5270 cell

About ASCEND

Powered by AIAA, ASCEND promotes the collaborative, interdisciplinary, outcomes-driven community of professionals, students, and serious enthusiasts around the world who are accelerating humanity’s progress toward our off-world future! For more information, visit ascend.events, or follow ASCEND on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

About AIAA

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org, and follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

AIAA Statement on the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 5, 2022 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Executive Director Dan Dumbacher made the following statement:

“On behalf of the 30,000 professional and student members of AIAA, we congratulate Northrop Grumman, its industry partners, and the U.S. Air Force on unveiling the B-21 Raider. We join in the excitement around seeing this new military aircraft for the first time.

We applaud the entire team on building the world’s first sixth-generation aircraft designed to support national security objectives and assure the nation’s allies and partners. In addition, we are inspired by the aircraft name, in honor of the Doolittle Raid of World War II and the courageous spirit of the Doolittle Raiders.

We salute the thousands of industry professionals nationwide who are involved in the B-21 Raider for shaping the future of aerospace.”

Media Contact: Rebecca B. 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 nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org, and follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

 

AIAA Statement on Passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 23, 2022 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Executive Director Dan Dumbacher made the following statement:

“AIAA applauds the passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, which includes roughly $37.6 billion in funding that keeps America’s competitive edge toward scientific discovery. It authorizes $25.4 billion for NASA, while providing a significant increase in funding for the National Institute of Standards and Technology of $1.627 billion and $761 million for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The legislation also provides an historic increase to $9.9 billion in funding for the National Science Foundation, the largest increase to date.

Furthermore, we are pleased the bill also provides significant funding for aeronautics and astronautics. Specifically, $94 million will fund the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), to add positions that continue the FAA’s efforts implementing the Aviation Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act (ACSAA). The provision allots $2 billion for the Department of Defense, which better prepares its initiatives on space procurement, operation, maintenance, and research and development. Also, the $70 million of funding for the Office of Space Commerce is long overdue.

While this legislation keeps the U.S. Government fully funded for all of FY2023, we especially commend Congress for recognizing the importance of aeronautics, astronautics, science and technology. The Institute, through our events, technical resources, and membership, continues our commitment to scientific discovery that enhances aerospace and aviation.”

Media Contact: Rebecca B. 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 nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org, and follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

AIAA Statement on Blue Origin’s Successful NS-20 Mission

March 31, 2022 – Reston, Va. –The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Executive Director Dan Dumbacher made the following statement:

“On behalf of the 30,000 professional and student members of AIAA, we congratulate the Blue Origin team on its successful NS-20 mission. This mission continues building on Blue Origin’s vision to see millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. Through this mission, we are seeing Blue Origin’s progress opening up access to space travel for more even people from all walks of life.

We are especially thrilled to follow George Nield’s journey as part of the NS-20 astronaut crew. Dr. Nield is a member of the AIAA Board of Trustees, a lifetime member of the Institute, and an AIAA Fellow. We can’t wait to hear about his experience!

Astronaut training, day two. Credit: Blue Origin–©
Astronaut training, day two. | Credit: Blue Origin–©

We recognize the dedicated aerospace industry professionals involved in making today’s mission a success. We salute our corporate member, Blue Origin, and their entire team, for helping shape the future of aerospace.

AIAA is honored to be one of Blue Origin’s Club for the Future partner organizations to help develop and inspire the next generation of space professionals.”



Media Contact: Rebecca B. Gray, [email protected], 804-397-5270 cell

About ASCEND Powered by AIAA, ASCEND promotes the collaborative, interdisciplinary, outcomes-driven community of professionals, students, and enthusiasts around the world who are accelerating humanity’s progress toward our off-world future! For more information, visit ascend.events, or follow ASCEND on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

About AIAA The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org, and follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Register for ASCENDxTexas, set for 27–28 April in Houston, TX, or learn more.

 Video

New Shepard Mission NS-20 Webcast Replay (Blue Origin via YouTube)

AIAA Statement on Passage of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 11, 2021 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) applauds the passage of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. AIAA Executive Director Dan Dumbacher made the following statement after the president signed the legislation into law:

“The American Rescue Plan will help sustain the U.S. aerospace and defense (A&D) industry during these ongoing difficult times. This vital industry is a multi-trillion-dollar enterprise that supports 2.19 million jobs nationally and many more globally. It has improved our quality of life by transforming transportation, medicine, defense, and security. The necessary aid this package provides will help the employees, small businesses, and large contractors who make up the A&D sector continue to play a critical role in safely leading the nation back to a healthy and prosperous future.

AIAA applauds lawmakers’ steps to support the aviation manufacturing industry, workforce, and supply chain, which has been severely weakened by the COVID-19 pandemic and will take several years to recover. Bipartisan efforts to provide economic relief with the inclusion of the Aviation Manufacturing Jobs Protection Act in the package is especially helpful. That provision allocates $3 billion in payroll support for aerospace manufacturers, including a 50% government cost-share program for workers most at risk of layoff or furlough. The package also gives agencies funds to cover certain contractor costs and to keep skilled personnel and workers in a ready state during the pandemic response through Fiscal Year 2021. Moreover, many small businesses – essential to the A&D industry’s supply chain – will directly benefit from the additional $7.25 billion made available to the Paycheck Protection Program.”

 

AIAA Media Contact: Rebecca B. Gray, [email protected], 804-397-5270.

About AIAA
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org, or follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

AIAA Statement on Biden Administration’s First National Space Council Meeting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 2, 2021 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Executive Director Dan Dumbacher made the following statement on the Biden Administration’s inaugural meeting of the National Space Council:

“As the world’s largest aerospace technical society representing 30,000 aerospace professionals, AIAA appreciates the Biden Administration’s commitment to maintaining a White House-level focus on space policy through the National Space Council. Yesterday’s meeting brought together senior administration officials, including five new members, which was a welcome sight. Vice President Harris discussed the Administration’s space policy framework and council members offered insights into their agencies efforts to promote rules and norms governing space, address the climate crisis, and build our STEM workforce. The global ASCEND community affirmed these important topics during its annual gathering last month in Las Vegas.

AIAA strongly supports the Administration’s whole of government approach to tackle the priorities addressed today. The United States must lead in gathering the international community to establish best practices, standards, and norms of behavior for both governmental and commercial space activities. Domestically, Congress must codify Space Policy Directive-3 and provide the necessary resources to the Office of Space Commerce in the Department of Commerce to tackle the important issue of space traffic management. It is essential that we harness the space sector’s capabilities to continue to help solve the climate crisis, fuel our nation’s economic prosperity and global competitiveness, and build the diverse 21st-century education system and workforce. We look forward to working with the vice president, the National Space Council members, and the Users’ Advisory Group to meet these challenges and achieve our common goals.”

 

Media Contact: Rebecca B. Gray, [email protected], 804-397-5270 cell

About ASCEND
Powered by AIAA, ASCEND promotes the collaborative, interdisciplinary, outcomes-driven community of professionals, students, and enthusiasts around the world who are accelerating humanity’s progress toward our off-world future! For more information, visit ascend.events, or follow ASCEND on Twitter, Facebook,LinkedIn, and Instagram.

About AIAA
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org, and follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

AIAA Statement on the OSIRIS-REx Sample Return Mission

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 25, 2023 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Executive Director Dan Dumbacher made the following statement:

“Congratulations to NASA on the successful return of its first asteroid sample to Earth! We were thrilled watching the OSIRIS-REx mission (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security-Regolith Explorer) touch down in Utah with its precious cargo onboard. We are eagerly following the scientists’ work studying the samples in the coming weeks.

We believe the OSIRIS-REx mission is part of our human drive to learn more about our universe and our place in it. We look forward to hearing the science findings that will help us better understand planet formation and the origin of organics and water that led to life on Earth, as well as the potential hazards from asteroids. This mission will benefit everyone on Earth.

We commend the entire OSIRIS-REx team, including AIAA Corporate Member Lockheed Martin Space in Littleton, Colorado, who built the spacecraft and provided flight operations. Congratulations to NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA Johnson Space Center, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, the University of Arizona, Tucson, and KinetX Aerospace. We applaud the international partnership on this mission with the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

On behalf of the 30,000 professional and student members of AIAA, we recognize the professionals in the aerospace industry involved in making this mission a success. We recognize the OSIRIS-REx team for making important contributions to shaping the future of aerospace.”

AIAA 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 nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org, and follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

AIAA Statement on Third SpaceX Starship Test Flight

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 14, 2024 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) issued the following statement from AIAA CEO Dan Dumbacher:

“Congratulations to the SpaceX team on today’s test flight of Starship from Starbase, Texas. We are excited to witness this new launch vehicle reaching orbit. The art and science of engineering requires testing. We can see how the team has applied the lessons learned from previous test flights. From today’s flight, we know the team is gaining valuable data they will use to continually improve Starship’s design.

We are excited to see commercial space launch companies advancing technology to extend the human neighborhood from low Earth orbit to the moon, and on to Mars. Expanding these boundaries takes innovation and hard work.

The SpaceX team deserves tremendous credit for this great accomplishment. AIAA recognizes the countless industry professionals who have helped design, build, and test Starship. We applaud AIAA Corporate Member SpaceX for taking this step forward in shaping the future of aerospace.”

AIAA 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 nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org or follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Video

SpaceX launches Starship/Super Heavy Booster on third test flight
(AIAA recording; YouTube)

AIAA Statement on SpaceX Starship Test Flight

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 18, 2023 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) issued the following statement from AIAA Executive Director Dan Dumbacher:

“Congratulations to the SpaceX team on today’s test flight of Starship from Starbase, Texas. It is exciting to witness a new launch vehicle achieving so many of its test objectives toward reaching orbit. The art and science of engineering requires testing and taking risks to understand the limits of systems and where designs should be improved. This test flight is a valuable learning experience, especially around the performance of its boosters. We look forward to seeing the team’s progress toward enhancing this new space launch capability and flying again.

With Starship, SpaceX is taking a step toward humans living and working off our planet. Flight tests, taking risks, and pushing new technologies that are still in development will lead to this future.

We are excited to see commercial space launch companies advancing technology in the cislunar ecosystem and pushing on to Mars. Expanding the boundaries leads to success.

AIAA recognizes the countless industry professionals who have helped design, build, and test Starship. We applaud AIAA Corporate Member SpaceX for taking this step forward in shaping the future of aerospace.”

AIAA Media Contact: Rebecca B. 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 nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org, or follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

AIAA Statement on Fourth SpaceX Starship Test Flight

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 6, 2024 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) issued the following statement from AIAA CEO Dan Dumbacher:

“Congratulations to the SpaceX team on today’s test flight of Starship from Starbase, Texas. The live images from onboard the vehicle give everyone a breathtaking view of these test flights.

We are excited to witness this new launch vehicle continuing its development toward commercial operation. The art and science of engineering requires testing. From today’s flight, we know the team is gaining valuable data they will learn from as they keep improving Starship’s design.

It is important to see commercial space launch companies advancing technology to extend the human neighborhood from low Earth orbit to the moon, and on to Mars. Expanding these boundaries takes innovation and hard work.

AIAA recognizes the countless industry professionals who have helped design, build, and test Starship. We applaud AIAA Corporate Member SpaceX for taking this step forward in shaping the future of aerospace.”

Media contact: Rebecca B. Gray, [email protected], 804-397-5270

About AIAA
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org, or follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram.

 

Video

SpaceX Starship launches on 4th test flight
(VideoFromSpace; YouTube; Launch occurs at 33:22)

AIAA Statement on the Passing of Jeff Bingham

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 23, 2024 – Reston, Va – AIAA CEO Dan Dumbacher made the following statement:

“AIAA is saddened by the news of the passing of Jeff Bingham. Jeff was a leading influence in the aerospace community helping shape U.S. space policy. We are grateful for his bipartisan, professional approach that propelled the nation’s efforts in space for the future.

Jeff was instrumental in developing the ISS, championing its use as an orbiting scientific laboratory for the benefit of humanity. In addition to his work on the ISS and the National Lab, he was influential via NASA Authorization Acts to establish the objectives and priorities for human space exploration.

Jeff was an AIAA Associate Fellow. We were honored that he shared meaningful insights with our audiences at several AIAA events, helping our community make progress toward the next exploration goals.

His dedication to the aerospace community continues, with his request in lieu of flowers for donations made to any space-related charity in his name to support future space explorers and leaders.

We send our condolences to his family and friends. Godspeed Jeff.”

Media contact: Rebecca B. Gray, [email protected], 804-397-5270

About AIAA
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org, or follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram.

AIAA Statement on the NASA SpaceX Crew-8 Launch

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 4, 2024 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) CEO Dan Dumbacher made the following statement:

“On behalf of the 30,000 professional, student, and educator members of AIAA, we congratulate the entire NASA SpaceX team on its successful Crew-8 launch. We applaud this mission to the International Space Station (ISS) through NASA’s Commercial Crew program, showing how NASA and private industry are working together to extend the human neighborhood into low Earth orbit and beyond.

This mission demonstrates the value of scientific research conducted onboard the ISS that will help prepare us for human exploration to the moon and cislunar space, and on to Mars. The addition of Crew-8 continues maximizing the use of the ISS, where astronauts have been living and working continuously in space for more than 22 years. We are encouraged to see these explorers and innovators work to improve life on Earth and accelerate our off-world future.

We recognize the aerospace industry professionals involved in making this mission a success. We salute NASA, SpaceX, and Crew-8 for helping shape the future of aerospace.”

AIAA 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 nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org or follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Video

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-8 Launch
(Official NASA Broadcast; YouTube)

AIAA Statement on Blue Origin’s Successful NS-26 Mission

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 29, 2024 – Reston, VA – AIAA CEO Dan Dumbacher made the following statement: “On behalf of the 30,000 professional and student members of AIAA, we congratulate Blue Origin on its successful NS-26 mission. We celebrate Nicolina, Rob, Eugene, Eiman, Karsen, and Ephraim on their inspirational journey and share the excitement around the NS-26 mission, including the NASA research conducted onboard. New Shephard missions embody the promises of space for the benefit of Earth. “Reusability of space vehicles continues to help decrease the cost of access to space as we see the space economy growing. We applaud AIAA Corporate Member Blue Origin for shaping the future of aerospace.”

AIAA 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 nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org, or follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

AIAA Statement on Blue Origin’s Successful NS-25 Mission

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 19, 2024 – Reston, Va – AIAA CEO Dan Dumbacher made the following statement:

“On behalf of the 30,000 professional and student members of AIAA, we congratulate AIAA Corporate Member Blue Origin on its successful NS-25 mission. We congratulate Mason, Sylvain, Ed, Ken, Carol, and Gopi on their inspirational mission. We share the excitement around the NS-25 mission that embodies the promises of space for the benefit of Earth.

We are especially thrilled to celebrate Ed Dwight’s flight. After being selected as the nation’s first Black astronaut candidate in the 1960s, Ed was not granted the opportunity to fly to space – until now. We hope Ed’s flight inspires future generations to pursue their dreams and persevere. We celebrate this spirit in the new Space4All campaign aiming to inspire, prepare, and employ a diverse space workforce. Space4All is the national space STEM awareness campaign being led by a public-private partnership including AIAA and Blue Origin, and more than 150 corporate, federal, non-profit, and community-based organizations including the National Space Council and the U.S. Department of Education.”

Media contact: Rebecca B. Gray, [email protected], 804-397-5270

About AIAA
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org, or follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram.

AIAA Statement on Blue Origin’s Successful NS-29 Mission

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 4, 2025 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) issued the following statement from AIAA CEO Clay Mowry:

“On behalf of the 30,000 professional and student members of AIAA, we congratulate Blue Origin on its successful NS-29 mission. The rocket included 30 payloads that experienced two minutes of lunar gravity forces. We look forward to learning the results of these experiments to help us prepare for more activities on the lunar surface in the future.”

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 nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org, and follow AIAA on X/Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

 

Video

New Shepard Mission NS-29 Webcast
(Blue Origin; YouTube)