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AIAA has released the 2013–2014 annual report, “Shaping the Future of Aerospace,” highlighting the Institute’s recent achievements and giving a glimpse of the year ahead. Overall, the report addresses the importance of the Institute’s continuing restructuring of AIAA’s brand, products, and services to meet the evolving needs of both our members and the international aerospace community more readily.

Looking back on the year, outgoing AIAA President Mike Griffin stated, “I think everyone realized then that there were challenges and threats to our industry and to AIAA as an organization. When confronted with tough times every organization must face the choice either to hunker down and try to ride it out, or to confront the challenges on the horizon and take action. I am pleased by the steps AIAA has taken to confront our challenges, and in the process enhance our relevance.”

In addition to being the report’s title, “Shaping the Future of Aerospace” is also AIAA’s new tagline. The tagline and our new mission and vision articulate our members’ achievements, creativity, dedication, ingenuity, and passion for aerospace engineering and science.

2014 AIAA Annual Report >

Keynote Speakers:

Orlando Carvalho Executive Vice President Lockheed Martin Aeronautics		Michael G. Whitaker Deputy Administrator Federal Aviation Administration

Featuring 18 technical conferences with more than 1600 papers as well as ITAR-compliant sessions, expert panel discussions, and keynote presentations, AVIATION 2014 will provide actionable insights into critical challenges and opportunities facing aviation and aeronautics, including: Global Interoperability / Supply Chain Management / Systems Affordability, Efficiency, and Sustainability / Aviation R&D and Operational Integration / The Future of Unmanned Systems—Challenges, Capabilities and Capacity

“I am able to grow my career and expand my technical knowledge all at one venue!” —Kate Stambaugh, JHU Applied Physics Laboratory

Register Today!

The annual AIAA Spotlight Awards Gala took place on the evening of 30 April 2014, at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, DC, bringing together the best and brightest in the aerospace industry for a glittering celebration of “those who have continuously pushed the boundaries of human achievement in aeronautics and astronautics,” as AIAA Executive Director Sandy Magnus explained to the 500 assembled guests from around the world. A number of special guests attended this year’s event including Charles Bolden, administrator, NASA; Maj Gen Genaro J. Dellarocco, former commander, U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command; Dr. Lourdes Maurice, executive director, Environment & Energy, FAA; and Lt Gen Ellen Pawlikowksi, U.S. Air Force, Commander, Space and Missiles Systems Command; as well as several others.

(Pictured: AIAA Fellows and Honorary Fellows, class of 2014)
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The 13th International Conference on Space Operations (SpaceOps), held 5–9 May in Pasadena, CA, boasted discussions among the industry’s brightest. Over 800 people from 20 countries, and 28 exhibitors, shared ideas on space operations. Jeff Norris, Manager, Mission Operations Innovation Office, NASA JPL, kicked off the conference with a keynote address on the benefits of utilizing video game developers to bring a “human perspective” to robotic imagery.

Full Story and Photos >

AIAA is pleased to welcome three new corporate members to the AIAA roster. For more information on the AIAA corporate program, please contact Merrie Scott at merries@aiaa.org.

• AAC Microtec, based in Uppsala, Sweden, develops, manufactures and markets robust multifunctional electronics systems for aerospace and industrial applications.
• Atkins, based in London, England, and is one of the world's leading design, engineering and project management consultancies.
• Schafer Corporation, based in Huntsville, AL, is a scientific and engineering company providing technical solutions to mission critical challenges in national security.

AIAA mourns the death of AIAA Honorary Fellow John C. Houbolt. Houbolt’s stalwart advocacy of the lunar orbit rendezvous (LOR) concept made the Apollo 11 moon landing possible. Houbolt passed away on April 15, in Scarborough, Maine; he was 95 years old.

“We mourn the passing of John Houbolt, who was a tireless advocate for the lunar orbit rendezvous concept that was used on Apollo,” said AIAA Immediate Past President Mike Griffin. “Houbolt’s tenacity in endorsing the superiority of LOR over other mission design stands as a testament to one person’s ability to champion a cause through to success, even when all seems lost. While we are saddened by his loss, we are forever grateful that he saw what others did not—a truly elegant solution to landing on the moon—allowing our nation to make history for all of humanity.”

(Pictured: AIAA Honorary Fellow Dr. John C. Houbolt. Image Credit: University of Illinois)
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Dr. John Langford, President and CEO of Aurora Flight Sciences, and an AIAA Fellow, has been selected to receive the 2014 Cliff Henderson Trophy. The Cliff Henderson Trophy, which is in the collection of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, was established in 1960 to honor the creator and Managing Director of the world-renowned National Air Races from 1928-1939. His work stimulated a generation’s interest in aviation and challenged the state of the art in aviation development.

(Pictured: Dr. John Langford, AIAA Fellow)
Full Story > (National Aeronautic Association)

The Journal of Aerospace Information is devoted to the applied science and engineering of aerospace computing, information, and communication. Original archival research papers are sought which include significant scientific and technical knowledge and concepts.

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AIAA is seeking an outstanding candidate with an international reputation for this position to assume the responsibilities of Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets. The chosen candidate will assume the editorship at an exciting time as new features and functionality intended to enhance journal content are added to Aerospace Research Central, AIAA’s platform for electronic publications.

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AIAA is seeking an outstanding candidate with an international reputation for this position to assume the responsibilities of Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Thermophysics and Heat Transfer. The chosen candidate will assume the editorship at an exciting time as new features and functionality intended to enhance journal content are added to Aerospace Research Central, AIAA’s platform for electronic publications.

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Aerospace Today and Tomorrow, set for 5 June 2014, in Williamsburg, VA, is a unique forum with registration limited to 100 individuals—no media—that allows for high-level discussion on “U.S. aerospace stewardship in a global environment,” in a casual atmosphere.


Panelists include:

• 9 vice presidents from major aerospace companies
• 7 corporate directors/general managers
• 5 assistant secretary/associate administrators from government agencies
• 3 government chief scientists/senior advisors.

Do the numbers: one speaker for three registrants ensures meaningful, intimate, and engaging discussion. Learn more at www.aiaa.org/att2014. Don’t delay, as registration is limited.

Find out at AVIATION 2014, set for 16–20 June 2014, in Atlanta, GA, when the latest UAS research and development, policies, and business ops are tackled during engaging technical and panel sessions:

• The FAA Has Selected the UAS Test Sites—What Happens Next?
• Creating a Successful Commercial UAS Business Environment—Challenges and Opportunities
• Getting Ready for the Next Billion Dollar Aerospace Industry—The Low Altitude Frontier

Expert panelists include:

• Ro Bailey, Director, Pan-Pacific UAS Test Range Complex (invited)
• Jesse Kallman, Global Business Development & Regulatory Affairs, Airware
• John Lambert, Senior Vice President, Nexutech, LLC
• John Langford, Chairman and CEO, Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation
• Elizabeth Soltys, UAS Test Sites Program Manager, Federal Aviation Administration (invited)
• Jim Williams, Director, UAS Integration Office, Federal Aviation Administration (invited)
• Ray Young, Technical Director, NUAIR

Learn More >

Propulsion and energy systems are at the very heart of aerospace. Whether you are flying passengers to London or satellites to LEO, every move forward in our exploration of the world, and the universe, is enabled by new technologies—most of which come from the researchers and engineers who will come together at this forum.

The Propulsion and Energy Forum, set for 28–30 July in Cleveland, OH, will feature more than 1400 participants, 800 technical papers and 2 co-located technical events at a single location. Engage with attendees from more than 30 countries across the entire aerospace enterprise.

New Forum Website:

• View the program overview! The Propulsion and Energy Forum will feature Plenaries, Forum Panels, and the Rising Leaders in Aerospace Program.
• New for 2014. Join in active discussions on the emerging capabilities of additive manufacturing sessions.
• Sponsor and Exhibit. AIAA forums give our sponsors and exhibitors the opportunity to network with potential customers in a professional environment using their budgets in the most efficient, effective way possible.
• Spread the Word. Tweet. Like on Facebook. Share on LinkedIn. Email a colleague. Do it all with the social media links found on every page.
• Stay Informed. Sign up for our email alerts.

Visit www.aiaa-propulsionenergy.org today!

Don’t miss the largest event in the world for sharing aerospace research, science and technology. In addition to the 3,000 forum participants who may view your paper, it will also be archived in AIAA's Aerospace Research Central and may be viewed by more than 2 million visitors a year. The technical program of the AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition (SciTech2015) comprises the legacy AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting and all of its constituent parts, including: 23nd AIAA/ASME/AHS Adaptive Structures Conference / 53rd AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting / AIAA Atmospheric Flight Mechanics Conference / AIAA Infotech @ Aerospace / AIAA Spacecraft Structures Conference / AIAA Guidance, Navigation, and Control Conference / AIAA Modeling and Simulation Technologies Conference / 17th AIAA Non-Deterministic Approaches Conference / 56th AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference / 8th Symposium on Space Resource Utilization / 33rd ASME Wind Energy Symposium.

SciTech 2015 is the single most important event for anyone involved in aerospace research and development. Find out more and submit your abstracts by 8:00 p.m. EDT on 2 June.

AIAA SPACE 2014, set for 4–7 August in San Diego, will examine the impacts of space activity on society. The forum will convene a global conversation around the important role our community plays in enabling a connected culture, monitoring our planet, expanding our boundaries beyond Earth, and advancing technology and innovation to address worldwide opportunities.

The forum's general sessions, plenary speakers and panelists will address these key issues:

• Facilitating Global Connections
• Monitoring the Planet
• Expanding Boundaries
• Advancing Technology

Learn more at www.aiaa-space.org!

AIAA is proud to be a supporter of the 65th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), the world’s premier space event, which takes place 29 September–3 October 2014, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, Ontario. This event is hosted by the Canadian Aeronautics and Space Institute (CASI) and organized by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF). AIAA is a founding member of IAF and has a long history of collaboration with CASI as a sister society.

Focusing on the theme “Our World Needs Space,” the IAC will highlight the ways that space activities help to meet our needs on Earth and the global and collaborative nature of our industry, with a special focus on the capabilities and accomplishments of the two North American spacefaring nations ― the United States and Canada.

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We would like to bring to your attention a new AIAA Guide for public review offering a comprehensive description of state-of-the-art criteria of natural terrestrial environment inputs for use in the design and development of aerospace vehicles traversing through the terrestrial atmosphere. The document, Terrestrial Environment Guidelines for Use in Aerospace Vehicle Development, was prepared by the AIAA Atmospheric and Space Environments Committee on Standards. It is based on the content of NASA Technical Report "Terrestrial Environment (Climatic) Criteria Guidelines for Use in Aerospace Vehicle Development,” (D. L. Johnson, Ed.).

Atmospheric phenomena play a significant role in the design and operation of aerospace vehicles and in the integrity of aerospace systems and elements. These terrestrial environment design criteria guidelines are derived from statistics and models of atmospheric and climatic phenomena relative to various aerospace design, development, and operational issues. The document reflects aerospace vehicle development experiences and consolidates guidelines for natural terrestrial environments that have been utilized by NASA and other organizations in a large number of aerospace vehicle developments as noted in the subject NASA report.

If interested in reviewing this document, or any of the other AIAA Standards Documents currently open for public comment, please click the "Learn More" link below. Please note the review instructions on the page.

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Don't forget to recognize the achievements of your standards colleagues by nominating them for the Excellence in Aerospace Standardization Award! This biennial award honors contributions by individuals who advance the health of the aerospace community by enabling cooperation, competition, and growth through the standardization process. Such individuals may have been committee chairs, project leaders, or industry executives; the award is intended to recognize substantive accomplishment. Any AIAA member in good standing may be a nominator; please review the award guidelines for nominee eligibility, letters of endorsement, and page limits. AIAA members may submit nominations online after logging in with their username and password, where you will be guided step-by-step through the process. Paper entries are also acceptable. For more information, please contact Carol Stewart, Manager, AIAA Honors and Awards, at carols@aiaa.org.

AIAA will celebrate technical achievements in aerospace science at a 12:30 p.m. awards luncheon on 17 June, as part of the AIAA Aviation and Aeronautics Forum and Exposition (AIAA AVIATION 2014), being held from 16–20 June at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Ga.

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AIAA will celebrate technical achievements in aircraft and atmospheric systems at a 12:30 p.m. awards luncheon on 19 June, as part of the AIAA Aviation and Aeronautics Forum and Exposition (AIAA AVIATION 2014), being held 16–20 June, at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Georgia.

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The Sustained Service Award is presented to recognize sustained, significant service and contributions to AIAA by members of the Institute. The nominee/recipient must be a member in good standing who has shown continuing dedication to the interests of the Institute by making significant and sustained contributions over a period of time, typically 10 years or more.

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Reminder: Nominations for awards such as the Lawrence Sperry Award, Pendray Aerospace Literature Award, Information Systems Award and many others are due by 1 July 2014. Visit www.aiaa.org/OpenNominations for a complete list.

This month, the member spotlight is illuminating outstanding service to AIAA, traveling to Osprey, Florida, and falling on Michael Yarymovych, winner of the 2014 AIAA Distinguished Service Award, for “60 years of dedicated service to IAS, ARS, AIAA and IAF, and for outstanding leadership for the aerospace profession in government, industry and the international community.”

Yarymovych, president of Sarasota Space Associates, has been a member of AIAA since 1952. He retired from the Boeing Company and worked previously as vice president, Engineering, and Advanced Systems Development, at Rockwell International during the time of the development of the Space Shuttle, GPS, and missile defense. His many contributions to AIAA include serving as president in 1982; his creation of the Institute Development Committee, which develops new initiatives for the benefit of AIAA and its members; his involvement in revising the criteria used to select AIAA Fellows; and his development of the Fellows nomination process now in use by the Institute.

(Pictured: Michael Yarymovych)
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Modeling and Simulation of Aerospace Vehicle Dynamics, Third Edition

Peter H. Zipfel
Hardback – AIAA Education Series
ISBN: 978-1-62410-250-9

Modeling and Simulation of Aerospace Vehicle Dynamics, Third Edition unifies all aspects of flight dynamics for the efficient development of aerospace vehicle simulations. It provides the reader with a complete set of tools to build, program, and execute simulations. Unlike other books, it uses tensors for modeling flight dynamics in a form invariant under coordinate transformations. For implementation, the tensors are converted into matrices, resulting in compact computer code.

AIAA Member Price: $79.95
List Price: $104.95

Visit AIAA's Aerospace Research Central (ARC) > today!

Basic Helicopter Aerodynamics, Third Edition

John Seddon; Simon Newman
Hardback – AIAA Education Series
ISBN: 978-1-60086-861-0

Basic Helicopter Aerodynamics, now in its third edition, is widely appreciated as an easily accessible, rounded introduction to the first principles of the aerodynamics of helicopter flight. Concentrating on the well-known Sikorsky configuration of single main rotor with tail rotor, the authors avoid the lengthy mathematical treatment of some textbooks, thereby making the material accessible to undergraduates as well as engineers looking for an introduction to the subject.

AIAA Member Sale Price: $34.95
List Price: $74.95

Visit AIAA's Aerospace Research Central (ARC) > today!

Trivia Question
On what date did the first orbiter to reach the surface of Mars launch?

Bonus Question
When did it arrive on the surface of Mars?

Trivia Answers >

The May 2014 issue of Aerospace America is now available online for AIAA members. Don’t miss this month's cover story, “Cancer and Spaceflight,” by Natalia Mironova, in which she discusses how astronauts venturing into deep space would be pelted by molecular equivalents of cannonballs, making them vulnerable to cancer and other diseases if a solution is not found. Mironova goes on to explore how NASA aims to keep galactic cosmic radiation from becoming a showstopper.



To access the May issue of Aerospace America visit www.aiaa.org/myaiaa, log in, and navigate to “Access Publications & Materials” to select “Aerospace America.”

Former Indy Racing League driver Sam Schmidt refused to let a disabling crash end his love affair with auto racing. Now the quadriplegic motorsports business owner is back in the driver’s seat with the help of aerospace engineers and scientists.

On Tuesday, May 6, Schmidt demonstrated an experimental system that allows him to control a car with head movements. He drove a modified 2014 Corvette C7 Stingray on a closed runway at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base behind the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at speeds of up to 84 miles per hour.

Full Story > (Aerospace America)

AIAA is seeking a dynamic Managing Director of Business Development to design and implement marketing and sales strategies for AIAA’s products and services, and oversee outreach to current and potential customers toward new product/program growth.

Learn More >
Full Position Description >

14 May 2014
Pennsylvania State University's Participation in AIAA Design/Build/Fly Contest Highlighted
Penn State News–Penn State Places Sixth at National Aircraft Design Contest

14 May 2014
AIAA Fellow Dr. John Langford, CEO of Aurora Flight Sciences, To Receive National Aeronautic Association's Cliff Henderson Trophy
NAA – Dr. John Langford Awarded the NAA Cliff Henderson Trophy

14 May 2014
AIAA Executive Director Sandra Magnus' Space Culinary Skills Highlighted
io9 Blog–What Happens When You Cook French Fries in Space

14 May 2014
AIAA - AVUSI Forum on Unmanned Systems Highlighted
AINonline–Manufacturers Must Prove Commercial UAS Flight Safety Says FAA


More AIAA in the News >

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