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In this article, the author discusses decline in the membership of the journal and also discusses initiatives to reverse the declining membership trend. He suggests involving younger aerospace professionals in the launch of the journal. He also suggests reaching local middle school or high school and offering a presentation regarding aerospace. He further suggests helping a young professional to get travel funds to attend a conference on aerospace.

The article examines the condition of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and the overall aerospace industry. According to the author, the aerospace profession is aging as most of its practitioners reach 50 years old or older, with the AIAA having more members aged at least 60. He states that the core of the profession lies in big systems and platforms, with the institute failing to evolve along with the profession. He calls for expanded focus on systems engineering.

The author reflects on lessons from the landing of the Curiosity rover in planet Mars. He mentions the need for constancy of purpose for aerospace projects, citing that the Mars Science Laboratory program took a decade to achieve its purpose. He says that Curiosity showed the importance of a flagship mission more than smaller and cheaper missions for the reputation of the U.S. He highlights what it meant to be an ethical professional when the decision to delay the 2009 launch was made.