UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Puneet Singla, the Harry and Arlene Schell Professor of Engineering in Penn State’s Department of Aerospace Engineering, has been named a fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), the central professional society for the aerospace engineering discipline. The honor recognizes individuals who have made notable and sustained contributions to the arts, sciences or technology of aeronautics and astronautics.
“Being named an AIAA Fellow is a deeply humbling honor,” Singla said. “This recognition reflects not only the guidance of my mentors and the collaboration of my colleagues but also the creativity, dedication and hard work of my students, who drive our research every day. I am also thankful to my alma maters, Indian Institute of Technology-Kanpur (IITK) and Texas A&M University, for laying the foundation for my passion and career in aerospace.”
Singla is among the AIAA class of 2026 fellows, who will be formally inducted during a ceremony in May 2026 in Washington, D.C. According to AIAA, fellows are selected from among associate fellows and represent some of the most respected leaders in the global aerospace community.
“Professor Singla’s election as an AIAA Fellow is a well-deserved recognition of his sustained contributions to aerospace engineering,” said Amy Pritchett, head of the Department of Aerospace Engineering. “His work in dynamics, control and sustainable space technologies has had a significant impact on the field, and he is a dedicated educator and mentor whose leadership strengthens our department and the broader aerospace community.”
Singla’s research focuses on dynamics, control and optimization for aerospace and space systems, with particular emphasis on sustainable space technologies.
In addition to this recognition, Singla is leading a U.S. National Science Foundation-supported effort to establish the Center for Research in Emerging Sustainable Space Technologies, an Industry-University Cooperative Research Center focused on advancing sustainable and resilient space systems. The planned center aims to bring together academic researchers and industry partners to develop technologies that reduce orbital congestion, extend satellite lifetimes and support the long-term sustainability of space operations.
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics is the world’s largest aerospace technical society, representing nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries across industry, academia and government. AIAA Fellows are recognized for their significant technical contributions and their leadership in advancing the aerospace profession.
“Penn State has provided the environment and resources that enable us to pursue impactful work in space systems and autonomy, with a strong focus on sustainable space operations, reducing space debris, tracking space objects and advancing in-space servicing and repair,” Singla said. “I am grateful for this recognition and excited to continue working with students and collaborators to advance space system research and education.”