From the Editors of the IEEE AES Magazine 50th Anniversary Special Issue

This piece serves to provide an introduction to this special issue of the IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine, marking 50 years since the foundation of the Aerospace and Electronic Systems Society (AESS). The various contributions cover some major technical achievements over this period, both looking back and looking forward. They also attempt to recognize some of the individuals who have played their part in leadership of AESS over this time, and they emphasize the global nature of the subject and of the Society.