Aerospace America

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The October issue of Aerospace America is live. Don't miss this month's featured story: "The End of an Era" by Jonathan O'Callaghan. If all goes as NASA plans, the deorbiting of the International Space Station in early 2031 will be its final chapter, but also the start of a new one in which one or more companies will operate their own stations independently from NASA. But not everyone believes the station should be deorbited then, if ever. Jonathan O’Callaghan examined the differing views and proposed alternatives. Full Story 
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You'll also want to check out "Interest Grows in Hybrid-electric Flight,” by Paul Brinkmann, who writes, "Agility Prime, the U.S. Air Force’s small electric aircraft program, has adjusted its research focus toward hybrid-electric aircraft and autonomous flight in the belief that vehicles with these attributes will be most likely to make it across the figurative valley of death between research flights and acquisition of operational aircraft." Full Story 

In October's Editor's Notebook, “Finishing Strong,” Aerospace America Editor Ben Iannotta writes, “From now through early 2031, NASA will spend nearly twice the cost of the Webb telescope on its contribution to the International Space Station. If the final chapter of the station has indeed begun, it needs to be a good one, rich with research and scientific breakthroughs. Otherwise, history might not judge the vast expenditures on ISS very kindly.” Full Story 

In this month's Flight Path, new AIAA CEO Clay Mowry explains how the Institute, along with its members, are “Shaping the Future of Aerospace Together.” Mowry writes, “Today, we embark on a journey to ensure a vibrant future for AIAA. I am thrilled to lead the Institute at this exciting time for the aerospace community as we push the boundaries of air and space. Together, we are charting a path to innovate and expand the Institute, ensuring its relevance for the next 100 years. The horizons we pursue are truly great.” Full Story 

The October issue also includes a Q&A: “Hypersonics Sage, featuring Mark Lewis, CEO of the Purdue Applied Research Institute.  Full Story 

Also, see if you can solve this month's AeroPuzzler, “Pogo Sticks and Rockets.” Send a response of up to 250 words that someone in any field could understand to aeropuzzler@aerospaceamerica.org by noon Eastern October 19 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.