NASA rethinks Artemis path forward, accelerating launch cadence and adding 2027 missionFebruary 27, 2026
Share LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Email Aerospace Design and Structures Applying uncertainty quantification to complex systems Exceptional year for R&D in structural dynamics From commercial to X-planes, a year of design progress Interest grows in deployable structures Interest grows in digital twins, digital engineering Structures small to large take shape Surviving fragment impacts and fires Testing a variety of adaptive structures Aerospace Sciences Advances in ultra-short laser pulse technology Dream Chaser completes a captive carry Drone registration, reusing first stages Focus on ability to predict separated flow Improving measurement with spinning mirrors, schlieren images and magnetic suspension Meshing, visualization tests show promise New missions and fiery end to Cassini Public and private sector improve wind tunnels Research targets quiet, efficient flight Tech demonstration for future rotocraft Training pilots to avoid, react to stalls Understanding highly 3-D icing accretion Validating advanced thermophysics models Aircraft Technology, Integration and Operations Airbus, Boeing airliners make first flights Efficiency and capability drive flight testing in 2017 Hybrid airships move closer to commercial flight Hypersonic work emphasizes practicality NASA, FAA roll out apps for improved flight efficiency Novel aircraft are being safely integrated into airspace Real-world applications, support for Starline test V-22s sold to Japan; electric aircraft being developed Information Systems Attention on drone safety and data collection Autonomous drone test opens up possibility of low-level urban flights Communications systems: continued disruption and transformation Computing advances push manufacturing, design, deep learning Push for shared standards on military platforms Standards group releases UAS publications Propulsion and Energy A banner year for future flight Advances in cubesat propulsion, launch technology Advances made toward rotating detonation engines Boundary layer ingestion could help commercial aircraft efficiency Certifications show gas turbine engine progress Electric rockets power bigger share Hybrid rockets: To wax or to whirl? Missile launches, large space boosters register solid performances Newest data challenges assumptions and norms Progress achieved on liquid propulsion systems for Space Launch System Simulation and ground testing mark progress Testing alternative fuels, solar-thermal systems Voyagers hit 40 years operating, Cassini mission ends Space and Missiles Astronauts on ISS control robots remotely Commercial and government space push forward Commercial launch companies and NASA chart successes In-situ projects span from habitats to Andy Weir’s “Oxygenator” ISS lab popular with commercial and government sectors Missile defense tests show progress Next steps in sustaining human presence in space Potential for more affordable exploration Record launch included 100 small satellites Space suits, virtual reality tools tested Space tether test focused on satellite pair World news puts focus on missile defense Aerospace Outreach A nod to tragic and triumphant events Industry sees increased profits, major acquisitions New asteroid missions; Cassini comes to end Programs encourage carbon-emission reductions Space commerce, drones draw legal interest Space geeks and others bask in solar eclipse Turning-point year for urban mobility, electric aircraft
