Aerospace America

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The September issue of Aerospace America is live. Don't miss this month's featured story: "Meet the Next Pseudo Satellites" by Paul Marks. For decades, aircraft makers have sought to fly their wares high over cities for days, weeks or months at a time to provide services traditionally left to satellites. Now, the first stratospheric services are here, with balloon companies leading the way, though they could soon be joined by fixed-wing aircraft that would stay aloft for months. Paul Marks takes the measure of the market and the coming aircraft. Full Story 
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You'll also want to check out "Why Europa?,” by Jon Kelvey. While those interested in the question of life beyond Earth were busy parsing data from the numerous spacecraft sent to Mars over the decades, other scientists were advocating for construction of Europa Clipper, an orbiter now awaiting launch on a mission that could determine whether this icy moon deserves to join Mars in the search for life. Jon Kelvey looks at the science at stake as NASA weighs a potential survivability flaw that has complicated this year’s launch plans. Full Story 

In September's Editor's Notebook, “Looking Forward by Looking Back,” Aerospace America Editor Ben Iannotta writes, “Like many of you, Looking Back is one of my favorite sections of the magazine for the history it reveals and the thoughts it sparks about what could lie ahead. I did not know that 100 years ago on Sept. 15 an unoccupied U.S. Navy floatplane took off from the Potomac River at Dahlgren, Virginia, and was flown by radio control for 40 minutes, including landing without incident.” Full Story 

This month's Flight Path features, “A Message to the Institute from AIAA CEO Dan Dumbacher.” Dumbacher begins, “I write this with very mixed emotions. The tremendous opportunity to further the mission of AIAA, to help AIAA address the current and coming challenges across the aerospace ecosystem, and (importantly) to help the next generation of aerospace leaders with a vibrant professional society has been a dream come true. Now, after nearly seven years as the AIAA CEO, it is time for a new leader with a fresh perspective for the Institute of the future.” Full Story 

The September issue also includes a Q&A: “Aviation Confidant, featuring Herbert Schlickenmaier, president of HS Advanced Concepts LLC, in an interview with Aerospace America staff reporter Paul Brinkmann.  Full Story 

Also, see if you can solve this month's AeroPuzzler, “A Shocking Ending.” Send a response of up to 250 words that someone in any field could understand to aeropuzzler@aerospaceamerica.org by noon Eastern September 16 for a chance to have it published in the next issue. Full Story 

To read these stories and all other exclusive content, log in to the Aerospace America website.