First images from the Landsat 8 spacecraft include this true-color scene of Boulder, Colo., where Ball Aerospace (marked) built the Operational Land Imager that collected data for the imager, along with the cryocooler for its Thermal Infrared Sensor. The latter instrument was built at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland.

The annual presentation of Laureates by Aviation Week recognizes intellect, discovery and heroism, and the organizations and programs that cultivate them in the aerospace and defense sector are honored with the Workforce Laureate. In the running for the Workforce Laureate this year were programs that are designed to attract a workforce to aerospace, as well as the individuals who continue to push this effort despite budget cuts and economic issues.

Satellite industry advised to 'stay engaged' as new rules form

It isn't easy getting a rover the size of a small automobile down on the surface of another planet, even if you have been there before.

Ground-based space radar will sit under Chinese launch paths

Contract-tower program supporters are appealing to the FAA to limit the number of airport tower closures set to start April 7 due to across-the-board budget cuts. Senate leadership rejected the efforts of Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) to keep the FAA from closing up to 189 contract towers and restore funding for the program in a short-term spending bill that passed Congress last week.

Helicopter upgrades breathe new life into old fleets

Each year, in addition to naming Laureates, Aviation Week honors outstanding cadets at U.S. military academies as Tomorrow's Leaders. The awards are sponsored by BAE Systems. This year, four cadets were named and recognized at the Laureates gala by Aviation Week President Greg Hamilton.