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Aerospace R&D

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Aerospace R&D has been a driving force for innovation pushing major technological advancements that have redefined transportation, led to incredible discoveries, and sheparded in a fourth industrial revolution—digital transformation—which will create exciting opportunities for revolutionary transitions. AIAA can provide thought leadership and be a trusted voice, guiding the larger community through this shift. Interdisciplinary work fostered by advanced collaboration promises to yield breakthroughs in aeronautics and aerospace systems. Digital transformation is driving model-based technological advances such as digital engineering, digital twin, and digital thread, which are expected to accelerate the pace of R&D to deployment of advanced systems significantly. Such innovation can lower overall total lifecycle cost and ultimately improve customer experiences.

Across aeronautics and aerospace, we are information rich, but knowledge poor. We need smarter collaboration between people and their machines and tools to harvest the data. Digital transformation will allow us to capture knowledge, use it in models, and then apply it to new materials. Rapid prototyping and integration will accelerate first-design feasibility. We also need to enable artificial intelligence and machine learning to make our machines smarter. Shifting routine tasks to machines will allow our workforce to focus on tackling the next generation of technology challenges.

Within the Aerospace R&D Domain, we must address significant issues including potential cyberattacks on aerospace systems and building autonomous systems from a moral, ethical, and legal perspective. We also must find ways to accelerate the deployment of technology, with appropriate testing to help ensure success.

AIAA Aerospace R&D Lead
Regan Patrick

Vice President, R&D and National Security, AIAA |  Contact Us

Key Topics

  • advanced-materials-cover Advanced Manufacturing and Advanced Materials

    How do we incorporate multifunctional materials, create lighter systems through the application of new materials and new manufacturing techniques, and accelerate the certification of new materials and new manufacturing processes?

  • ai-machine-learning-domains-thumbnail Autonomy

    We must safely insert advanced information technologies into aerospace systems and provide smart contingency management capabilities across all aerospace plattorms. How can we leverage lessons from the automotive industry to help us address emerging issues, such as increasing congestion in both air and space traffic? We should consider how we adopt a human-centered autonomy approach.

  • ai-machinelearning-graphic-istock-thumbnail Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning

    Recent developments in artificial intelligence and machine learning are making headlines, and are already having a strong impact on how aerospace professionals work. How will Al and ML impact aerospace science and engineering practices? How can Al and ML applications provide new pathways for safer, faster, and more cost-effective aerospace system development?

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  • assured-sysems-cover Resilient and Assured Systems

    With increasing levels of autonomous control, how do we ensure that the resulting behaviors satisfy legal, moral, and ethical perspectives? As we create increasingly more complex and adaptive systems, how do we ensure that these systems are as safe, or safer, than previous generations? How do we accelerate lessons learned and incorporate into already deployed systems? As systems become more self-aware, can they adapt their control systems to reflect sensor or mechanical disruptions?

  • transformative-sys-engineering-thumbnail Transformative Systems Engineering

    How do we embrace digital twin concepts being inspired by engineered resilient systems and accelerate adoption of model-based systems engineering (MBSE)? How do we create frameworks to incorporate new technologies into system engineering methodologies, such as human-AI teaming and advanced materials more effectively? And we must leverage new digital techniques to reverse the trend of increasing timelines from first flight to initial operational capability.

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Get Involved in the Aerospace R&D Domain!


EVENTS
COURSES
NEWS
  • 2025 Technical Committee Recruitment Webinar 2025 Technical Committee Recruitment Webinar

    8 October 2025 12:00 pm - 8 October 2025 1:00 pm

    Online

    Learn more about AIAA’s 71 Technical Committees from the Technical Activities Division (TAD) Directors and Chief. What is an AIAA Technical Committee, why should you join, and what are the options?

  • 6th Symposium of the Committee on Space Research: Space Exploration 2025: A Symposium on Humanity’s Challenges and Celestial Solutions – “COSPAR 2025” 6th Symposium of the Committee on Space Research: Space Exploration 2025: A Symposium on Humanity’s Challenges and Celestial Solutions – “COSPAR 2025”

    3 November 2025 12:00 am - 7 November 2025 12:00 am

    This Symposium, themed “Space Exploration 2025: A Symposium on Humanity’s Challenges and Celestial Solutions”, will delve into critical global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and space weather, while exploring how space exploration and technology can offer solutions.

  • 8th High Speed Aerospace Transportation (HSAT) Workshop 8th High Speed Aerospace Transportation (HSAT) Workshop

    12 November 2025 12:00 am - 14 November 2025 12:00 am

    Join expert speakers and thought-leaders in sessions, panels, roundtables and debate. Develop your technology, expertise and knowledge. Networking and familiarization with the host: Midland International Air and Spaceport Business Park and Facilities.

  • 2025 Region VII Student Conference 2025 Region VII Student Conference

    1 December 2025 12:00 am - 2 December 2025 12:00 am

    AIAA is pleasead to announce that the Region VII/International Student Conference will be held from 1–2 December 2025 at the University of Sydney Student Branch, Sydney, Australia & Online.

  • Daniele Mortari Astronautics Symposium Daniele Mortari Astronautics Symposium

    11 December 2025 12:00 am - 12 December 2025 12:00 am

    To recognize his scientific contributions, retirement, and the 70th birthday of Professor Daniele Mortari.

  • 2026 AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition (AIAA SciTech Forum) 2026 AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition (AIAA SciTech Forum)

    12 January 2026 12:00 am - 16 January 2026 12:00 am

    The AIAA SciTech Forum program covers the science, technologies, and policies that are shaping the future of aerospace. The forum is the largest event for aerospace research, development, and technology in the world.

  • ASCENDxTexas 2026 ASCENDxTexas 2026

    25 February 2026 12:00 am - 26 February 2026 12:00 am

    ASCENDxTexas 2026 will focus on the innovation and adaptation necessary to navigate the evolving space economy–from policy discussions to commercial challenges and changing timelines, the next giant leap starts here.

  • 2026 IEEE Aerospace Conference 2026 IEEE Aerospace Conference

    7 March 2026 12:00 am - 14 March 2026 12:00 am

    The International Conference for Aerospace Experts, Academics, Military Personnel, and Industry Leaders. The 2025 conference will be the 46th and is set for 1–8 March 2025.