Tag: From AIAA

Reimagining America’s R&D Framework: Valuing Our Laboratories and Testing Facilities as National Treasures

FROM THE INSTITUTE
The leadership of the U.S. aerospace and defense sectors relies not solely on strategic documents but also on the tangible environments where concepts are validated, calibrated, qualified, stress-tested, and made repeatable. These include laboratories, wind tunnels, anechoic chambers, propulsion test stands, materials testing facilities, space-environment simulators, spectrum testbeds, and instrumentation-rich ranges that transform prototypes into operational systems. When this layer deteriorates, the consequences are predictable: extended timelines, increased rework, fewer testing repetitions, elevated safety risks, decreased throughput, and a growing divide between theoretical capabilities and actual performance in the field.

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.

The Universe’s First Selfie: The Remarkable Story of the James Webb Space Telescope

FROM THE INSTITUTE
The James Webb Space Telescope was designed over the course of 20 years to accomplish one thing: take the universe’s baby pictures. It has done that and more. Jonathan Arenberg, Fellow and Chief Mission Architect for Science and Robotic Exploration at Northrop Grumman, took the audience at AIAA SciTech Forum on a tour of the origins, specifications, and accomplishments of the 7-ton, 6.6-meter-wide eye.

Astronaut Peggy Whitson to Open AIAA SciTech Forum 2026

She joins a distinguished lineup of speakers from industry, government, and academia. These visionaries will take the stage during plenary and Forum 360 programming and will offer you their global perspectives on critical aerospace issues. Join us 12–16 January in Orlando, FL.

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AIAA Announces Candidates for the 2026 Election

FROM THE INSTITUTE
The Council Nominating Committee has selected candidates for next year’s openings on the AIAA Council of Directors. Council Nominating Committee Chair Laura Richard and AIAA Governance and Executive Operations Administrator Susan Silva confirmed the names of the candidates who will appear on the 2026 ballot.
Full Story (Aerospace America)

AIAA Survey: Forecast of Emerging Aerospace Technologies

FROM THE INSTITUTE
AIAA is working with BryceTech to produce the AIAA 2026 Forecast of Emerging Aerospace Technologies, a strategic assessment of the innovations that will define the aerospace landscape over the next two decades. This forecast will explore technologies driving future competitiveness, national capability, and societal impact. As a member of the AIAA community, your expert perspective will provide valuable insights into these technology trends. Please take a moment to fill out the emerging technology trends survey by Friday, 21 November.