FROM THE INSTITUTE
ASCEND 2026 is where the global space community comes together to turn bold ideas into real outcomes. Bringing together 2,000+ leaders from industry, government, and academia, ASCEND covers everything from space economy and national security to lunar exploration and next-gen technology—across 130 sessions and 190 technical papers. Powered by AIAA and backed by partners including Lockheed Martin and the ISS National Laboratory, this is the event that drives the space sector forward. Secure your seat today, before rates go up.
Tag: From the Institute
AIAA Design/Build/Fly Livestream Planned for 17–19 April
FROM THE INSTITUTE
The DBF experience won’t only be witnessed by those on the ground. AIAA is bringing the energy of the competition beyond the Kansas sky and into living rooms, labs, and classrooms worldwide. Viewers can tune into a livestream on AIAA’s YouTube channel on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 17–19 April, to witness the takeoffs, the tense moments, the triumphs, and the heartbreaks in real time.
New AIAA Position Paper on ITAR Reforms to Promote and Support a Robust Academic Pipeline
FROM THE INSTITUTE
Earlier this year, the AIAA Board of Trustees approved a new position paper on ITAR that offers recommendations to enhance ITAR and promote a robust academic pipeline. While ITAR is essential for safeguarding national security, when outdated definitions limit safe academic activities, they can inadvertently undermine the very system they’re intended to protect. AIAA’s stance embodies a straightforward principle: security and innovation are not opposing forces. When policies are well balanced, they can enhance each other.
AIAA AVIATION Forum 2026 to Showcase Next Generation Flight Technologies
FROM THE INSTITUTE
The future of aviation takes flight in San Diego this June. AIAA unveiled the program for AIAA AVIATION Forum 2026, 8-12 June, at the Manchester Grand Hyatt and it’s built to match the rapid pace of change in aerospace. This year’s theme, “From Velocity to Altitude – Accelerating Toward Tomorrow,” captures the acceleration of aviation technology. Registration for the forum is open, with early-bird rates ending 11 May.
Final Manuscripts for the 28th Aerodynamic Decelerator Systems Conference Due 4 May
FROM THE INSTITUTE
The Conference and Seminar will be held 1–5 June 2026. 1–3 June will involve solicited technical paper presentations at The Royal Aeronautical Society in London, UK, followed by an advanced materials seminar on 4–5 June, hosted by The National Aerospace Library in Farnborough, UK and Heathcoat Fabrics Limited in Tiverton, UK. Presenters must submit their full papers by 4 May 2026.
Design/Build/Fly Competition Celebrating 30 Years, Adding Livestream
FROM THE INSTITUTE
In a few days, the skies above Wichita, Kansas, will come alive as student teams from all over the world set out to compete in the annual AIAA Design/Build/Fly (DBF) Competition fly-off. Their mission: design, build, and test a banner-towing bush plane, conducting charter flights for passengers and cargo to pay for the airplane and start a banner towing business.
Faculty Advisor Spotlight: Wout De Backer, University of South Carolina
FROM THE INSTITUTE
Wout De Backer, an Assistant Professor at the Molinaroli College of Engineering at the University of South Carolina, was one of six faculty advisors selected to receive the 2025 AIAA Faculty Advisor Award, highlighting his commitment to the development, mentorship, and growth of the AIAA University of South Carolina (USC) Student Branch.
Ohio Symposium Celebrates Over Half a Century and Looks Toward the Future of Aerospace
FROM THE INSTITUTE
On 10 March, the AIAA Dayton-Cincinnati Section held the Dayton-Cincinnati Aerospace Sciences Symposium (DCASS). Christopher Ruscher and Joseph Miller (the executive chair and co-chair of the symposium) told the audience, “Today, we hope you attend the diverse technical presentations submitted by our region’s aerospace professionals, students, and academics, highlighting scientific research and engineering innovations, get a chance to catch up with some old colleagues and meet new collaborators, and help promote STEM in the region.”
Nominations Open for Member Advancement
FROM THE INSTITUTE
Do you know an AIAA member who has made outstanding contributions to the aerospace industry? Help us shine a spotlight on their stellar leadership and contributions by nominating them for member advancement, and elevate them to an elite class of AIAA members. Full nomination criteria can be found on the AIAA Honors homepage.
Faculty Advisor Spotlight: Mostafa Hassanalian, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
FROM THE INSTITUTE
Mostafa Hassanalian was one of six faculty advisors selected to receive the 2025 AIAA Faculty Advisor Award, highlighting his dedication to education, student mentorship, and his impact on the broader community at the local, state, and national levels. Hassanalian continues to create opportunities that support student success both inside and outside the classroom.