Dr. Rohan Sood, associate professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics, has been elected to the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Class of 2026 Associate Fellows.
The AIAA honors individuals of distinction who have made notable and valuable contributions to the arts, sciences or technology of aeronautics and astronautics. The selection process is highly competitive, with only approximately 17% of AIAA members being elected as associate fellows.
Sood was recognized “for seminal contributions in spacecraft trajectory design, advancing space exploration through innovative research, high-impact publications and exceptional mentorship in aerospace engineering,” according to AIAA.
“Being named an associate fellow of AIAA is a tremendous honor and a deeply humbling experience,” Sood said. “It represents not just a personal milestone but recognition of the collaborative efforts that have shaped my career in pursuit of space exploration.”
Sood leads the Astrodynamics and Space Research Laboratory, which conducts innovative work in spacecraft mission planning and trajectory optimization. Under his guidance, the lab has supported NASA and Department of Defense initiatives, including the development of the Astrodynamics Software and Science Enabling Toolkit — a trajectory design tool now used by NASA centers, universities and industry partners.
“I’m excited to continue advancing the frontiers of trajectory design and mission planning. I hope to contribute to new and ambitious space exploration efforts while also expanding opportunities for students to engage in meaningful research. Mentorship will remain a central focus, nurturing the next generation of aerospace engineers,” Sood said.
Dr. Paul Hubner, head of the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics, said Sood’s selection reflects both his excellence and the department’s growing reputation.
“It is an honor for Rohan and the department,” Hubner said. “AIAA is the primary professional society in the aerospace engineering field, and [this recognition reflects] the excellence of our great faculty and their research programs.”
AIAA will formally honor and induct the 2026 class at its Associate Fellows Induction Ceremony on Jan. 14, 2026, in Orlando, Florida, during the AIAA SciTech Forum and Exposition.