FROM THE INSTITUTE
A lively panel of leaders in the space industry took on the question of how the United States can keep its edge in space with competitors nipping at our heels. In fact, argued one panelist provocatively, we might actually want to take a few notes from adversaries.
Tag: From the Institute
Inaugural Global Leaders Space Exploration Forum Delivers Candid Conversations During ASCEND 2026
FROM THE INSTITUTE
AIAA hosted space leaders for the inaugural Global Leaders Space Exploration Forum to advance the technical, operational, and policy dialogue needed to ensure that humanity’s expanding presence in space is prosperous, safe, and sustainable. The gathering reflected a shared recognition that the window to establish durable frameworks for interoperability, safety, and long-term sustainability in LEO and the cislunar domain is open now.
Students Shared Research and Explored Aerospace Innovation at AIAA Region IV Student Conference
FROM THE INSTITUTE
The Department of Mechanical Engineering in the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing at Rice University hosted the 2026 AIAA Region IV Student Conference, 27–29 March. More than 200 high school, undergraduate, and graduate students from Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico to present original research, exchange ideas, and connect with peers and professionals in aerospace.
Experts Say Space Nuclear Power’s Biggest Obstacles Are Logistical, Not Technical
FROM THE INSTITUTE
A workshop on nuclear capabilities in space dove into the opportunities and challenges that have surrounded this powerful technology since the first space race. The workshop at AIAA’s ASCEND event in Washington, D.C., was hosted by Brian Weeden, Director of Civil and Commercial Policy at The Aerospace Corporation’s Center for Space Policy and Strategy. It kicked off with a lively discussion of nuclear power in space, then transitioned into interactive roundtables on related topics.
EPATS Ignites the Electric Era of Flight at AIAA AVIATION Forum 2026
FROM THE INSTITUTE
The question in the aviation industry is no longer whether electric propulsion will redefine flight, but how and when. What is arguably the most profound transformation since the jet age began – the transition toward electrification – takes center stage at AIAA AVIATION Forum in San Diego. Three full days of the forum will feature the Electric Propulsion and Advanced Technologies Symposium (EPATS) to dissect the runway map from concept to certification.
AIAA Receives Award Recognizing the Impact of Student Outreach Programs
FROM THE INSTITUTE
Challenger Center has awarded AIAA with the Challenger-7 Recognition, a national honor that recognizes work with K-12 students that inspires and supports the next generation of STEM leaders.
From Student Competitions to Corporate Membership: How AIAA Fueled One Engineer’s Journey
FROM THE INSTITUTE
For Rut Lineswala, the path from freshman engineering at Rutgers University to founding a cutting-edge aerospace simulation company wasn’t paved solely by textbooks or classroom lectures. Rather, it was forged in the crucible of real-world challenges, collaborative competitions, and the continuing support offered by AIAA through every stage of his career.
Congressional Leaders Laud NASA Moon Plans, But Fight Intensifies over Science Funding
FROM THE INSTITUTE
Congressional leaders with oversight of NASA were bullish on the progress of the Artemis program and plans to return astronauts to the surface of the moon and beyond, but also reinforced the clashes ahead on Capitol Hill over steep proposed cuts to the agency’s budget.
Varda CEO Foresees Space-Based Medicine Moving from Research Novelty to Manufacturing Mainstream
FROM THE INSTITUTE
Fresh off the reentry of its sixth vehicle over Australia and a newly announced commercial partnership with United Therapeutics, Varda Space Industries is positioning itself as a bridge between orbital research and real-world medicine, CEO and Co-founder Will Bruey said in a fireside chat Wednesday at ASCEND 2026.
Town Hall Calls for U.S. to Approach Lunar Development Like Real Estate Projects on Earth
FROM THE INSTITUTE
As the United States confronts its great power competition with China to the moon, NASA and policy and commercial space experts shared current thinking on how to accelerate developing the lunar environment — and why it matters.