FROM THE INSTITUTE
At AIAA AVIATION Forum, aviation leaders zeroed in on a practical question: how to introduce advanced analytics, automation, and autonomy into live operations, including airlines, new entrants, and future airspace, without breaking the complex system that already moves hundreds of thousands of people every day.
Tag: June 2026
SpaceX Conducts Latest National Security Launch for NRO
Spaceflight Now reports, “SpaceX launched its third mission this year supporting the National Reconnaissance Office’s constellation of intelligence-gathering satellites.The mission, dubbed NROL-179, launched an undisclosed number of satellites into orbit as part of what the NRO calls its proliferated architecture constellation.”
Full Story (Spaceflight Now)
Video
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches from California with satellites for NRO (Launch occurs at the 29:46 mark).
Spaceflight Now; YouTube
Air Force Greenlights General Atomics FQ-42A CCA for Production
Unmanned Systems Technology reports, “General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has received a production contract from the U.S. Air Force (USAF) for the FQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). The initial order is a significant milestone, beginning the delivery of production aircraft to the warfighter. GA-ASI designed, developed and flight-tested FQ-42A on an accelerated schedule unlike any fighter in recent history.”
Full Story (Unmanned Systems Technology)
Arianespace Sends Heaviest-Ever Payload to Orbit on Amazon Leo Mission
Spaceflight Now reports, “Arianespace launched its largest and heaviest payload to date on a version of its Ariane 6 rocket that incorporated new solid rocket boosters Wednesday morning. The mission was designated VA269 by Arianespace and Leo Europe 03 (LE-03) by Amazon. It sent 36 Amazon Leo broadband internet satellites into low Earth orbit.”
Full Story (Spaceflight Now)
Video
An Ariane 6 rocket launches 36 Amazon Leo satellites from Kourou, French Guiana (Launch occurs at the 58:55 mark).
Spaceflight Now; YouTube
Call for Papers for Modeling for Space Sustainability Virtual Collection
FROM THE INSTITUTE
The Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets invites submissions for its Modeling for Space Sustainability virtual collection. This collection seeks papers that advance space environment modeling or demonstrate model-driven decision support for managing and preserving the space environment, particularly in Low Earth Orbit. Manuscript submissions are due by 31 August 2026.
Eve 100 eVTOL Prepares for First Transition Flight Ahead of Farnborough
Aviation International News reports, “Eve Air Mobility is preparing to make the first low-speed transition flight of its Eve 100 eVTOL in the coming weeks. This milestone, which Eve predicts will happen shortly before the Farnborough International air show in July, will precede a full-speed transition at 90 knots later in the year.”
Full Story (Aviation International News)
SpaceX Launches First Block 2 BlueBird Satellites for AST SpaceMobile
Spaceflight Now reports, “AST SpaceMobile bounced back from the loss of its BlueBird 7 satellite last month with the launch of three more in the predawn hours of Wednesday morning. The company launched BlueBird 8, 9, and 10 onboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.”
Full Story (Spaceflight Now)
Video
SpaceX Launches First Block 2 BlueBird Satellites for AST SpaceMobile (Launch occurs at the 1:00:28 mark)
Spaceflight Now; YouTube; Framegrab
United Airlines’ Military Pilot Hiring Program Nears 600 Hires Since 2024
Flying Magazine reports, “Nearly 600 military pilots have transitioned to roles at United since 2024, officials said Monday, with 500 more expected by the end of 2027. The initiative, which covers active-duty and active reserve military pilots, provides a conditional job offer as a United first officer. Candidates must be more than 12 months away from the date when they can start full-time with United and a minimum of 12 months from their separation date.”
Full Story (Flying Magazine)
From Boomless Cruise to Overture, Boom Bets on Passenger-Centric Design
SpaceX Cargo Capsule Heads Home After ISS Resupply Mission
SPACE reports, “A SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft is headed back to Earth. The robotic Dragon undocked from the International Space Station (ISS) today at 12:25 p.m. EDT (1625 GMT), about 20 minutes later than originally planned. The departure occurred while the two spacecraft were flying about 260 miles (418 kilometers) above the northern Pacific Ocean, NASA officials said during today’s undocking livestream.”
Full Story (SPACE)