Breaking Defense reports, “The Space Force announced today that it has assigned the first seven future launches under its National Security Space Launch Program (NSSL) program for critical missions: five to SpaceX and two to United Launch Alliance (ULA). NSSL Phase 3 Lane 2 launches carry high-value, must-go payloads and/or those headed to orbits that are more difficult to achieve. The Space Force is using firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery contracts for these types of launches.”
Full Story (Breaking Defense)
Tag: October 2025
Amelia Earhart’s Long-lost Plane Likely Located, Research Team Claims
CBS News reports, “Researchers from Purdue University are set to travel to the South Pacific to determine if a ‘visual anomaly’ on a remote island is the wreck of Amelia Earhart’s lost plane, saying there is ‘very strong’ evidence the object is the iconic aviator’s aircraft. Earhart was attempting to become the first female pilot to circle the world when she and navigator Fred Noonan disappeared over the Pacific Ocean on July 2, 1937. Earhart, Noonan and their plane, an Electra 10E, were never found.”
Full Story (CBS News)
Physics Can Revolutionize AI Simulations for Better Design
FROM THE INSTITUTE
Incorporating physics into artificial intelligence (AI) models for simulation will help rewrite how to design aerospace systems, noted Juan Alonso, Chief Technology Officer and Cofounder of Luminary Cloud and Chair of the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Stanford University. In a far-reaching and intriguing presentation, Alonso described the Physics AI revolution in an AIAA Aerospace Perspective Series webinar in August, as well as on the Hub stage at AIAA AVIATION Forum and ASCEND in July.
Full Story (Aerospace America)
Starlab Space Partners with Saber Astronautics for Payload Services Aboard Starlab’s Commercial Space Station
Military Aerospace reports, “Starlab Space LLC in Houston announced a strategic partnership with Saber Astronautics in Adelaide, Australia, establishing the company as both a channel and implementation partner for payload services aboard the Starlab commercial space station. Under the agreement, Saber Astronautics will play a dual role: driving business development by engaging new customers for Starlab’s microgravity platform and providing technical execution services, including feasibility assessments, hardware integration, and in-orbit operational support.”
Full Story (Military Aerospace)
Skyryse Introduces its AI-powered Cockpit Flight Assistant Skylar
Aerotime reports, “Skyryse, a California-based aviation technology startup company, has introduced Skylar, an AI flight assistant that integrates with the maker’s SkyOS operating system. The technology is designed to reduce pilot workload, simplify communications, and improve safety across a wide range of aircraft, the company said. Skylar is designed to function as an always-on copilot, supporting the pilot through all phases of flight.”
Full Story (Aerotime)
ESA Sets Record with Deep-space Laser Link to NASA’s Psyche Probe Using Altechna Optics
Military Aerospace reports, “The European Space Agency (ESA) has completed a deep-space optical communications campaign by sending a laser signal to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Psyche spacecraft more than 186 million miles from Earth, using optical components provided by Altechna. Altechna, a global custom optics manufacturer based in Vilnius, Lithuania, supplied 3-inch mirrors and windows for the Ground Laser Transmitter system, which shaped and stabilized the laser beam. The components maintained beam quality under heavy power use and atmospheric interference.”
Full Story (Military Aerospace)
AIAA Establishes Steve L. Karman Jr. Aerospace Engineering Scholarship to Honor Aerospace Legacy
From the Institute
AIAA is proud to honor the legacy of a remarkable family man who made significant contributions to aerospace over his 40+ year career through the new Steve L. Karman Jr. Aerospace Engineering Scholarship. The $10,000 scholarship aims to support undergraduate students who embody the same dedication to aerospace excellence that Steve demonstrated throughout his career. It was made possible through the generous funding provided by AIAA Fellow John Chawner, a colleague and dear friend of Steve.
Full Story (Aerospace America)
New Zealand’s NH90 Helicopters Make Record-Breaking Flight Across Tasman Sea
Defense News reports, “Two Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 helicopters have flown from Australia to New Zealand on a two-day, record-breaking journey for the aircraft, which each carried two 1,100lb external fuel tanks, according to the service. The aircraft flew from Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley, near Brisbane, via Norfolk Island, to RNZAF Base Auckland, a distance of 1,765 miles over water. The longest leg of the trip, 660 miles, took around four and a half hours.”
Full Story (Defense News)
Space Force Announces ATLAS Space Domain Awareness Software Now Operational
Breaking Defense reports, “The Space Force announced today that its software-centric program for managing, processing and disseminating space monitoring data, the Advanced Tracking and Launch Analysis System (ATLAS), has been accepted as ‘operational.’ The move paves the way for the service to finally rid itself of its dysfunctional 1980s-era computer system called the Space Defense Operations Center (SPADOC), which as been used to keep tabs on satellites, spacecraft and dangerous space junk even after nearly two decades of failed replacement efforts.”
Full Story (Breaking Defense)
Beta Technologies Files for U.S. IPO
Reuters reports, “Electric aircraft maker Beta Technologies filed for an initial public offering in the United States on Monday, the latest company to join the rush to tap a record-breaking bull run in the equity market. Easing trade tensions, robust stock markets and pent-up investor demand have combined to create one of the busiest windows for listings in years, with technology, aerospace and green energy firms leading the charge.”
Full Story (Reuters)