FROM THE INSTITUTE
The 32nd Space Exploration Educators Conference (SEEC) was held at Space Center Houston, 5–7 February 2026. The inspirational event brought together 600 STEM educators from all over the world to connect and gain invaluable hands-on experiences. In addition to hearing from impressive speakers and participating in sessions, attendees toured and explored iconic exhibits and labs at Space Center Houston and NASA Johnson Space Center.
Tag: From the Institute
2026 Election Closes Today. Cast Your Vote Before 3 p.m.
FROM THE INSTITUTE
The AIAA Council Nominating Committee has assembled an outstanding slate of candidates. We urge all eligible voting members to carefully consider each candidate and select those who most closely reflect your values and your vision for the future of AIAA. You can vote until 3 p.m. today (20 February).
AIAA Members Named to National Academy of Engineering
FROM THE INSTITUTE
Twelve AIAA members are among the 130 newest members of the National Academy of Engineering (NAE). Academy membership honors those who have made outstanding contributions to “engineering research, practice, or education, including, where appropriate, significant contributions to the engineering literature” and to “the pioneering of new and developing fields of technology, making major advancements in traditional fields of engineering, or developing/implementing innovative approaches to engineering education.”
Countdown to Goddard Centennial with New Model Rocket for Launches
From the Institute
To mark the 100th anniversary of Robert Goddard’s historic launch, a low-cost replica of his pioneering liquid fueled rocket gives schools and the public a powerful way to introduce the birth of modern rocketry. The anniversary represents a unique opportunity to inspire a new generation to follow in the footsteps of Goddard, who as a youngster began tinkering with kites, balloons, and eventually chemical compounds – all with the encouragement of his father, who bought him a telescope and a subscription to Scientific American.
AIAA Book Talks Launch with The Anatomy of Autonomy
FROM THE INSTITUTE
AIAA Book Talks highlights books and authors published by AIAA. The series provides a forum to introduce newly released titles, new editions, discuss key themes and contributions, and explore how these works support ongoing research, teaching and scholarship in aerospace science and engineering. The first online seminar will be held 11 March with the authors of The Anatomy of Autonomy.
AIAA SciTech Forum Student Paper Competitions
FROM THE INSTITUTE
AIAA Student Paper Competitions recognize outstanding student research presented at AIAA forums and events. The competitions give undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to present original technical work, gain professional recognition, and receive feedback from their peers in industry and academia. We are pleased to announce the winners of the competitions held at AIAA SciTech Forum 2026.
My Daily Launch Will Not Publish 16 February
FROM THE INSTITUTE
In observance of Presidents’ Day, we will not publish on Monday, 16 February. Service will resume on Tuesday, 17 February.
Forget Cloud: Istari Unveils “Ground,” A New Data Sharing Infrastructure Tailored for Aerospace
The internet – convenient, data-centralized, and governed by a single “I agree” consent button – is fundamentally misaligned with the needs of aerospace, defense, and other sectors that guard valuable intellectual property and classified information. That’s the message from Will Roper, chief executive officer and founder of Istari Digital and former Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, at an AIAA SciTech Forum 2026 session titled, “A Level Digital Playing Field – Vision & Urgency.”
Full Story (Aerospace America)
Soft Power and the Race to the Moon: Why Cislunar Norms Are the Next Hill to Hold
FROM THE INSTITUTE
For most of the Space Age, geopolitics played out in Earth orbit. That era is ending. The next strategic arena is cislunar space which is the vast volume from geosynchronous orbit out to, around, and including the moon. Cislunar space is sought after because it provides the ability to host the infrastructure that makes deep-space operations routine: communications relays, navigation beacons, refueling depots, scientific observatories, and eventually sustained lunar surface activity, including commercial operations.
Career Accelerator Ignites Student Momentum at AIAA SciTech Forum
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.