AIAA

AIAA is the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. It is a professional society for people in aerospace. The group says it is the largest technical society of its kind. It has nearly 30,000 individual members and 95 corporate members. Members come from many countries.

AIAA was created in 1963 when two older aerospace societies merged. It brings together industry, universities and government. Its purpose is to spark and celebrate aerospace ingenuity and teamwork. It promises to be a lifelong link to the aerospace community.

The society runs major events. These include the AIAA SciTech Forum, which focuses on research, and the AIAA AVIATION Forum, which covers aviation business, research and technology. ASCEND is its event for the global space community. The AIAA DEFENSE Forum covers defence innovation. The website also has a filterable calendar of live and online events.

AIAA publishes technical work. Its library holds peer-reviewed journals, standards and books on more than 100 topics. It runs public and private courses, workshops and online learning. Members can also publish their own work with AIAA.

The society offers many ways to take part. Members can join local regions and sections or serve on committees that shape its events and services. Students can join campus branches, enter scholarships and compete in the Design/Build/Fly contest, which tests applied skills. The AIAA Foundation raises money to support students in STEM subjects. A recent update says 36 student branches have restarted.

AIAA also works on public policy and recognizes achievement. It has honors and awards, and members can nominate peers. It publishes Aerospace America, a news and multimedia hub, and a daily newsletter called My Daily Launch. It hosts webinars, reports and a podcast with aerospace leaders. It also runs public reviews of standards, such as one on spacecraft markers for orbital servicing.

The website explains how to become a member, what the benefits are and how to contact staff.