Tag: Science and Technology

ASCENDxTexas to Focus on Accelerating the Business of Space Exploration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 18, 2022 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) announced the program for its collaborative event focused on growing the Texas space ecosystem and our off-world future – ASCENDxTexas – 27-28 April, University of Houston – Clear Lake Wellness Center, Houston, Texas. This new event will bring together more than 200 people from government, industry, academia, and the investment community to gain fresh insights on the lunar exploration market, discover opportunities, explore commercialization efforts, and learn how industry and government are evolving approaches to enable faster outcomes.

Registration for the ASCENDxTexas is open for the aerospace community to attend in person. Journalists who wish to cover this event can request a Press Pass here.

Attendees will gain in-depth insights about Artemis and other signature programs, and how these programs may serve as the anchor customer for future commercial missions to low Earth orbit, the moon, Mars, and beyond. The ASCENDxTexas program features a diverse group of visionaries and leaders:

  • Ahsan Choudhuri, Associate Vice President, Aerospace Center, and Professor, Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at El Paso
  • Carissa Christensen, CEO, BryceTech
  • Mike Gold, Executive Vice President, Civil Space and External Affairs, Redwire Space
  • Janet Kavandi, President, Sierra Space
  • Bhavya Lal, Associate Administrator, Office of Technology, Policy and Strategy, NASA
  • Kathryn Lueders, Associate Administrator, Space Operations, NASA
  • Jeffrey Manber, President, International and Space Stations, Voyager Space
  • Dave Martin, Houston Mayor Pro Tem
  • Rob Meyerson, CEO, Delalune Space
  • John Mulholland, Vice President and Program Manager, International Space Station, The Boeing Company
  • Michael Palank, General Partner, MaC Venture Capital
  • Benjamin Reed, Senior Director, Human Spaceflight Programs, SpaceX
  • Brent Sherwood, Senior Vice President, Advanced Development Programs, Blue Origin
  • Kirk Shireman, Vice President, Lunar Exploration Campaign, Lockheed Martin Corporation
  • Charles Stegemoeller, Senior Director, Business Development, SAIC Civil Space
  • Vanessa Wyche, Director, NASA Johnson Space Center

“We are excited to welcome the ASCEND community to ASCENDxTexas in person,” said AIAA Executive Director Dan Dumbacher. “We see ASCENDxTexas as an opportunity to move beyond the now. The distinguished speakers will provide clarity on the lunar exploration market – supply, demand, materials, current status, and future opportunities. We encourage attendees to take advantage of this opportunity to meet other companies based in Texas and learn how they’re accelerating our progress toward an off-world future.”

Media Contact: Rebecca B. Gray, AIAA, [email protected], 804-397-5270 cell

About ASCEND
Powered by AIAA, ASCEND, which stands for Accelerating Space Commerce, Exploration, and New Discovery, is the world’s premier collaborative, outcomes-driven, interdisciplinary community designed to accelerate the building of our off-world future. For more information, visit ascend.events, or follow ASCEND on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

About AIAA
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org, and follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Boeing Planning Starliner Test Flight Atop ULA Atlas V on May 19

The Houston Chronicle reports that The Boeing Company has announced that it plans to launch its CST-100 Starliner test flight – originally scheduled for August 3 of last year – on May 19. “Next month, Boeing will launch its Starliner spacecraft atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. They will lift off from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.”
Full Story (Houston Chronicle)

Flexjet to Hire 350 Pilots

ExecutiveGov reports that NASA “has selected five universities to design research experiments that will take place on the International Space Station.” Each awardee “will receive approximately $100,000 to formulate these experiments under the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research or EPSCoR program.” The awardees are: Montana State University, New Mexico State University, the University of Delaware, the University of Idaho, and the University of Nebraska.
Full Story (ExecutiveGov)

NASA Selects Five Universities for ISS Experiments

ExecutiveGov reports that NASA “has selected five universities to design research experiments that will take place on the International Space Station.” Each awardee “will receive approximately $100,000 to formulate these experiments under the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research or EPSCoR program.” The awardees are: Montana State University, New Mexico State University, the University of Delaware, the University of Idaho, and the University of Nebraska.
Full Story (ExecutiveGov)

AIAA Members Named to National Academy of Engineering

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 14, 2022 – Reston, Va. – Eight American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) members are among the 133 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.”

The following AIAA members have been elected to the NAE, one of the highest professional distinctions awarded to an engineer:

Brian M. Argrow, professor and chair, Ann and H.J. Smead Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder. AIAA Fellow, Class of 2016. For contributions to unmanned aerial systems capable of penetrating severe storms and leadership in their application to scientific observation.

Nicholas D. Lappos, senior technical fellow (emeritus), Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Lockheed Martin Corp., Beryl, Utah. AIAA Associate Fellow, Class of 2021. For improving rotary wing flight performance and serving as test pilot, engineer, inventor, technologist, and business leader.

Sandra Magnus, principal, AstroPlanetview LLC, Arlington, Va. AIAA Fellow, Class of 2022. For national accomplishments in the U.S. civil space program and in Department of Defense engineering and technology integration.

Daniel N. Miller, senior fellow, Skunk Works, Lockheed Martin Corp., Bainbridge Island, Wash. AIAA Fellow, Class of 2017. For theoretical contributions and practical innovations in flow control that improve the performance of aircraft propulsion systems.

Elon Musk, founder, chief executive officer, and chief engineer, SpaceX, Hawthorne, Calif. AIAA Associate Fellow, Class of 2012. For breakthroughs in the design, engineering, manufacturing, and operation of reusable launch vehicles and sustainable transportation and energy systems.

Nelson Pedreiro, vice president, Advanced Technology Center, Lockheed Martin Corp., Palo Alto, Calif. AIAA Fellow, Class of 2020. For technical innovation and engineering leadership on programs of national importance in space exploration, strategic systems, and missile defense.

Michael M. Watkins, director and vice president, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory and California Institute of Technology, Pasadena. AIAA Fellow, Class of 2020. For leadership in the development of space geodesy and leading robotic missions for exploration of the Earth and planetary bodies.

Karen Willcox, director, Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, University of Texas at Austin. AIAA Fellow, Class of 2019. For contributions to computational engineering methods for the design and optimal control of high-dimensional systems with uncertainties.

“On behalf of the AIAA staff, the Board of Trustees, and the Institute’s nearly 30,000 members, I extend our congratulations to these AIAA members on this well-deserved professional honor,” said AIAA Executive Director Dan Dumbacher. “We also are thrilled to see so many others in the aerospace industry who are friends of the Institute receive this recognition. Each of these individuals have made exemplary contributions to the field of engineering and the aerospace community. We are awed by their accomplishments throughout their careers, as they are shaping the future of aerospace.”

Contact: Rebecca B. Gray, [email protected], 804-397-5270 cell

About AIAA
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit  aiaa.org, and follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Challenger Center and AIAA Launch New Trailblazing STEM Educator Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Five finalists will be honored for their enthusiasm, dedication to STEM education

October 18, 2021 – Washington and Reston, Va. – Challenger Center and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) announced the launch of the Trailblazing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Educator Award. The annual award will celebrate K-12 teachers going above and beyond to inspire the next generation of explorers and innovators.

The award will recognize teachers who connect classroom lessons to the country’s current and future plans for exploration and innovation, introduce students to STEM careers, and activate students’ imagination about space exploration. Following a year of incredible challenges for educators, this year’s award will also celebrate educators who continued to excite their students about STEM throughout the difficult circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Nominations are now being accepted at aiaa.org/TrailblazingSTEMEducatorAward and may be submitted through January 30, 2022.

Five finalists will be selected from the nominations. Each of the five finalists and their respective schools will be awarded $5,000; each finalist also will receive free access to Challenger Center’s STEM programs, a trip to Washington, DC, to be honored at the AIAA Aerospace Spotlight Awards Gala, and a special presentation ceremony at their school.

“Teachers always have been, and continue to be, a catalyst who can ignite a student’s potential to see a future in STEM,” said Lance Bush, president and CEO, Challenger Center. “After the incredible challenges throughout the last couple of years, there’s no better time to celebrate teachers. Educators dedicate their lives to nurture future generations and inspire them to reach for the stars. We’re honored to team up with AIAA and recognize several of these trailblazers across the country.”

“We are excited about our collaboration with Challenger Center supporting those who are invaluable to our communities – educators. We share a commitment to strengthening the aerospace profession by inspiring the future workforce,” said Dan Dumbacher, executive director, AIAA. “We need a diverse and robust STEM next generation who use what they learn today to innovate and invent tomorrow. We can’t wait to recognize these passionate and inspirational trailblazers who spark students’ interest in STEM subjects, especially the science and engineering behind aerospace.”

Even as the U.S. aerospace and defense industry leads the world in innovation, it faces challenges with the workforce: a skills gap of STEM-literate students entering the industry, a need for greater participation by women and ethnic minorities, and a growing knowledge gap from early retirements. Based on the “2021 AIAA State of the Industry Report,” nearly 50% of respondents believe an increased focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion by aerospace industry employers will help increase the pipeline of skilled, competent aerospace professionals.

About Challenger Center
As a leader in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, Challenger Center provides more than 250,000 students annually with experiential education programs that engage students in hands-on learning opportunities. These programs, delivered in Challenger Learning Centers and classrooms, strengthen knowledge in STEM subjects and inspire students to pursue careers in these important fields. Challenger Center was created by the Challenger families to honor the crew of shuttle flight STS-51-L. For more information about Challenger Center, please visit www.challenger.org or connect on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

About AIAA Foundation
The AIAA Foundation inspires and supports the next generation of aerospace professionals. From classroom to career, the AIAA Foundation enables innovative K-12 and university programming, including STEM classroom grants, scholarships, conferences, and hands-on competitions. Founded in 1996, the AIAA Foundation is a nonprofit, tax-exempt educational organization connected to the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).

About AIAA
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org or follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Contact:
Challenger Center
Katie O’Hara
[email protected]
410-490-0170
AIAA
Rebecca Gray
[email protected]
804-397-5270

2022 AIAA SciTech Forum to Focus on Sustainability

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Registration Now Open for the World’s Largest Aerospace R&D

October 13, 2021 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) announced its five-day program on sustainability for the 2022 AIAA SciTech Forum, 3–7 January 2022, San Diego, and virtually. This year’s program features over 3,000 technical presentations and an extensive lineup of industry leaders as speakers, panelists, and presenters. The focus on the timely topic of sustainability will reach beyond traditional environmental sustainability to address the challenges and opportunities in many aspects.

Registration for the 2022 AIAA SciTech Forum is open now for the worldwide aerospace community to attend in person or online. Journalists who wish to cover this event can request a Press Pass here.

“We are excited to welcome the aerospace community to the 2022 AIAA SciTech Forum as we explore the science, technologies, and policies that are shaping our industry’s future and enabling sustainability. There are important issues and perspectives we must share, discuss, and debate around sustainability to strengthen the aerospace industry and position it for continued success,” said AIAA Executive Director Dan Dumbacher. “Following so many online-only events in the past year, we are energized around the chance to gather safely in person again.”

The speakers and panelists participating in the 2022 AIAA SciTech Forum are proven business leaders and innovators within the industry. Attendees will hear their perspectives on socioeconomic and workforce sustainability; operational futures for air and space; sustainability through diversification; and the environment. Some of the speakers confirmed thus far include:

  • Victoria Coleman, Chief Scientist, U.S. Air Force
  • The Honorable Steven J. Isakowitz, President and CEO, The Aerospace Corporation
  • Laura McGill, Deputy Laboratories Director and CTO for Nuclear Deterrence, Sandia National Laboratories
  • Pamela Melroy (Colonel, USAF, Ret.), Deputy Administrator, NASA
  • Steven N. Rader, Manager, NASA Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation
  • Brendan Reed, Director, Airport Planning & Environmental Affairs, San Diego Airport Authority
  • Óscar Rodríguez, President, Bajio Aerospace Cluster

The 2022 event will cover 50+ research topics, including: fluid dynamics; applied aerodynamics; digital engineering; guidance, navigation, and control; propulsion; and more. Some of the planned programming elements include:

  • Daily keynote addresses and panel sessions focusing on dimensions of sustainability, including human/socioeconomic, workforce, diversification, operations, and the environment.
  • The third annual “Idea Challenge” with teams of young professionals pitching ideas or products that fit under “Harvesting Adjacent Industry Technologies to Support Aerospace Sustainability.”

Additional speakers and sessions will be announced in the coming weeks, as details are confirmed. For the most up-to-date program and registration information visit aiaa.org/SciTech.

Media Contact: Rebecca B. Gray, [email protected], 804-397-5270 cell

About AIAA

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org, or follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Press Passes Available for 2021 AIAA AVIATION Forum and 2021 AIAA Propulsion and Energy Forum

MEDIA ALERT

July 1, 2021 – Reston, Va. – Registration is open for journalists around the world to gain access to the 2021 AIAA AVIATION Forum (2–6 August) and the 2021 AIAA Propulsion and Energy Forum (9–11 August). Register for one forum and receive access to both!

Request press credentials here

These two distinctive events are scheduled during consecutive weeks to meet the unique technical content needs of each forum community. This new format delivers both events with the same high quality virtual experience.

2021 AIAA AVIATION Forum – “Aerospace Leadership in a Transitioning World”

The commercial air travel industry dropped to an unprecedented level in 2020, but innovation in mobility has not. Whether through digital transformation, decarbonization, or autonomous operations, the bold nature of aviation is not slowing. AIAA AVIATION Forum is the only event that covers the entire integrated spectrum of aviation business, research, development, and technology. Daily themes include:

  • Monday, 2 August: Aviation Recovery, Transition, and New Horizons
  • Tuesday, 3 August: Technologies to Reshape Aerospace
  • Wednesday, 4 August: Digital Thread Lifecycle*
  • Thursday, 5 August: Military Aviation: Delivering Performance at the Speed of Relevance*
  • Friday, 6 August: Pervasive Information Systems*

*New topics this year

Over 1,000 technical presentations on the latest innovations spanning 20+ aviation and aeronautics research topics will be available. Top 5 topics:

  • Aeroacoustics
  • Fluid Dynamics
  • Applied Aerodynamics
  • Multidisciplinary Design Optimization
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics

2021 AIAA Propulsion and Energy Forum – “Expanding Aerospace Horizons Through Sustainable Propulsion and Energy Innovation”

AIAA Propulsion and Energy Forum is the only forum that includes both aeronautics and space propulsion and energy technologies in one place. The 2021 forum will explore how new paradigms in the propulsion field and operational efficiency are upon us, including in the areas of electric aircraft, sustainability, hybrid rockets, automation, robotics, and hypersonics. The tipping point for these technologies to become a reality and be fully implemented is near. Access over 600 technical presentations on the latest innovations spanning 20+ propulsion and energy research topics that will drive advancements in the industry.

For more information, contact Rebecca B. Gray, AIAA Sr. Communications Manager, at [email protected], 804-397-5270 cell.

About AIAA
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org, or follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.