Tag: May 2026

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.

NASA Unveils New Lunar Base Developments as Artemis Efforts Expand

Ars Technica reports, “NASA officials announced contract awards for the initial elements of a lunar base on Tuesday, including two rovers that will provide mobility to astronauts. With the series of announcements, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman sought to maintain momentum around a Moon Base initiative revealed two months ago as part of the space agency’s return to the Moon. ‘For those waiting patiently, the grand return is close at hand, and we will not slow down,’ he said.”
Full Story (Ars Technica)

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.

YFQ-42A Returns to Flight After Safety and Software Upgrades

Breaking Defense reports, “A drone wingman built by General Atomics has resumed flying roughly one month after crashing in the California desert shortly after takeoff. In a press release Thursday, the company said its YFQ-44A aircraft ‘returned to flight testing following a round of safety reviews and software enhancements.’”
Full Story (Breaking Defense)



 Video

YFQ-42A drone by General Atomics
(Techno Thunder; YouTube)

SpaceX’s Starship V3 Reaches Key Milestones Despite Booster Loss

Aviation Week reports, “SpaceX completed a full suborbital flight of the latest version of its Starship-Super Heavy launch vehicle on May 22, achieving several key milestones for ‘Version 3’ even as it lost its first-stage booster shortly into the flight.”
Full Story (Aviation Week)

Video

SpaceX Starship V3 flip and landing burn.
VideoFromSpace; YouTube; Framegrab

GA-ASI and Saab Complete First Flight of MQ-9B With Early Warning Radar

Unmanned Systems Technology reports, “General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has conducted the first validation flight of its MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft using Airborne Early Warning radar pods. The AEW capability is being provided through a partnership with Saab. Once the AEW sensor, named LoyalEye, is made available to MQ-9B operators and new customers, it will deliver persistent and cost-effective air surveillance capabilities in regions where it is currently unavailable.”
Full Story (Unmanned Systems Technology)

SpaceX Launches Improved Starship Rocket in Latest Development Milestone

CBS News reports, “SpaceX on Friday pulled off a test launch of its latest Starship megarocket. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has the latest.”
Full Story (CBS News)

Video

SpaceX launches Starship V3. (Launch at the 6:58 mark)
Avid Space; YouTube; Framegrab

Rocket Lab Completes Ninth Launch Mission for Synspective

Aviation News reports, “Rocket Lab has successfully launched its ninth dedicated mission for the Japanese Earth observation company Synspective, deploying a new StriX radar satellite into orbit. Originating from New Zealand, this latest launch reinforces one of the most reliable commercial partnerships in the small satellite sector.”
Full Story (Aviation News)