AIAA Celebrates Earth Day and Salutes the Role that Aerospace Professionals Play in Protecting Our Fragile Planet Written 22 April 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: DUANE HYLAND
703.264.7558
duaneh@aiaa.org

April 22, 2014 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) celebrates Earth Day and salutes the role that aerospace technology plays in protecting our fragile planet.

“Today is Earth Day—a day to stop and ponder our fragile world (because it does look so fragile from space!) and not take it for granted,” said AIAA Executive Director Sandra H. Magnus. “Because of the advances in aerospace science and technology we continue to monitor and expand our knowledge of the planet. Earth observing satellites allow us a greater understanding of the Earth’s land and ocean spaces—and provide critical insight into weather patterns and the plight of wildlife; farmers use GPS technology to better manage their crops; and public safety officials rely on critical technology to keep millions of people safe in the face of impending natural disasters. All of these amazing advances that improve life on our planet happened because of the hard work of aerospace professionals.”

AIAA believes that aerospace technologies and systems provide the best chance for the U.S., and the global community as a whole, to establish a viable framework for integrating critical space, air, ocean, and land-based monitoring systems, and that the data gathered from these multiple systems will be essential in providing a clear understanding of our planet and its environment. Through the coordinated efforts of NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and partners around the globe, aerospace technology and the commitment, talent, and ingenuity of the aerospace community are making a crucial difference in the effort to preserve our planet’s environmental health.

AIAA is the largest aerospace professional society in the world, serving a diverse range of more than 35,000 individual members from 80 countries, and 100 corporate members. AIAA members help make the world safer, more connected, more accessible, and more prosperous. For more information, visit www.aiaa.org, or follow us on Twitter @AIAA.