The American Astronautical Society is pleased to announce the selection of Dr. Maruthi Akella as new Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of the Astronautical Sciences
Several months ago, Dr. Kathleen Howell of Purdue University announced her intention to step down as the Journal’s Editor-in-Chief. AAS immediately commenced an in-depth search and evaluation process.
A search committee composed of tenured professors that included current and former Editor-in-Chiefs of aerospace journals, a Dean of Engineering, an Associate Editor, and the AAS Vice President of Publications made a unanimous decision to select Dr. Akella from the University of Texas – Austin as the next Editor-in-Chief.
An AAS Fellow, Dr. Akella’s background as a JAS Associate Editor working with Kathleen Howell for the past several years, his recent experience as an Associate Editor with two other aerospace journals, and his 25-year association with Texas A&M, Yale, and University of Texas – Austin uniquely qualified Dr. Akella for this Editor-in-Chief position. Dr. Akella is closing out two years of service at the end of 2019 as the Chair of the AAS Space Flight Mechanics Technical Committee, which plans two of the three annual AAS-led technical conferences. Numerous awards, his reputation for excellence, and an international network of aerospace professional colleagues are among additional qualifications that provided AAS leadership with confidence of making the best choice from a small group of qualified applicants.
Dr. Akella’s first term as Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of the Astronautical Sciences will end in three years. From that time forward, continuation as Editor-in-Chief or the option to select a new Editor-in-Chief will occur every four years.
AAS thanks Dr. Howell for her 27 years of dedicated service to the society and eagerly anticipates continuing the standards of excellence that Dr. Howell has maintained for the Journal of the Astronautical Sciences.