Space Force partnerships open new research, graduate opportunities

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University, already known as the Cradle of Astronauts, is now establishing itself among the academic leaders for the U.S. Space Force with research and initiatives pushing the newest military branch toward the final frontier.

Space always has been part of the Purdue legacy, including engineering alumnus Neil Armstrong’s first steps on the moon and continuing to the present day with the latest education and innovation supporting Space Force. Purdue engineers now are adapting manufacturing for zero-gravity space and developing technological solutions to manage the cislunar space where increasingly more objects orbit the Earth.

Dan DeLaurentis, Purdue’s executive vice president for research, has been part of the ongoing efforts since Purdue was among the first academic institutions to join the U.S. Space Force University Partnership Program in September 2021.

“Purdue’s reputation in space is that we make things happen, historically and currently, through both the students we graduate and our ongoing research work,” he said. “Working with the Space Force generates new research advancements and cultivates a technically experienced workforce.”

Purdue Engineering research initiatives are focused on being resilient and capable of operating in the contested environment of space, not only for military collaborations but the anticipated vibrant commercial opportunities.

The U.S. Space Force was established Dec. 20, 2019, with the National Defense Authorization Act. Since then, Purdue has bolstered the University Partnership Program by working to recruit students, both civilian and service, as well as taking on challenges through the program’s research consortium.

The consortium has resulted in large, multiuniversity space and strategic technology initiatives. Purdue Engineering is a major component in two of them:

• Space domain awareness with Purdue research represented by Kathleen Howell, the Hsu Lo Distinguished Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics
• Space manufacturing and operations technologies with Ajay Malshe, the R. Eugene and Susie E. Goodson Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering, as a central figure in the work

Additional research on campus is focused on several Space Force initiatives. Sorin Matei, professor of communication and associate dean of research and graduate education, is conducting dedicated deep-tech infusion workshops on artificial intelligence. Mark Ward, professor of statistics and director of Purdue’s Data Mine, and Dan Hirleman, professor of mechanical engineering and director of The Data Mine of the Rockies, have several ongoing Space Force data analytics projects.

DeLaurentis said the extent and depth of the partnership between Purdue and the Space Force is among the best — particularly in areas not usually connected with space travel, such as autonomous operations, logistics, supply chains and additive manufacturing.

“Everything that we currently do on the sea, land and in the air — sense, maneuver, communicate, defend — we must do in space as well,” he said. “Our nation needs to be able to do more in space and extend beyond the capabilities of astronauts up there.”

That ability requires a next-generation civilian workforce as well as military officers that Purdue already has a big stake in providing.

Purdue is the largest Space Force cohort in the University Partnership Program, and Space Force participated in the Purdue Summer Engineering Experience with its Data Mine program in 2024. The university also was a joint host for an inaugural summer program in 2023 as well as the Giant Leaps Summit: National Defense in Space in February 2024. Both events provided students with a unique opportunity to engage with air- and space-focused experts, further solidifying Purdue’s status as a leader in aerospace education and innovation.

Purdue Air Force ROTC Detachment 220 is the 15th largest detachment in the nation, with more than 200 future Air Force and Space Force leaders. Remarkably, it boasts the second-highest enrollment of future Space Force Guardians among all 145 detachments nationwide. Reflecting this commitment, Purdue has organized its Space Force cadets into a space delta within the cadet wing, highlighting the distinct identity and mission focus of these future Guardians.

DeLaurentis said Purdue’s Air Force ROTC Detachment 220 attracts more Space Force applicants because the military branch doesn’t have its own detachments at this point. ROTC and the Purdue Military Research Institute were a focus when signing on to the University Partnership Program.

“Space Force wanted to get more officers going through that program, and I think there’s progress being made there,” he said. “And then our graduates who are going to go serve in the civilian ranks of the Space Force, including on the R&D side, are growing as well.”

DeLaurentis said students interested in the Space Force have a prime example to focus on. Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen is a Purdue alumna who graduated in 2000. She is one of the Space Force generals who serves as Purdue’s partnership liaison.

Panzenhagen actively serves on the steering committee for this year’s Space Policy, Science and Technology Symposium @ Purdue. The October event brings together industry, government, military and academia to shape space policy for the nation and the world. Purdue Policy Research Institute hosts the event and collaborates with the colleges of Engineering and Science, which are co-sponsors.

About Purdue University

Purdue University is a public research university leading with excellence at scale. Ranked among top 10 public universities in the United States, Purdue discovers, disseminates and deploys knowledge with a quality and at a scale second to none. More than 107,000 students study at Purdue across multiple campuses, locations and modalities, including more than 58,000 at our main campus in West Lafayette and Indianapolis. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue’s main campus has frozen tuition 14 years in a row. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap — including its comprehensive urban expansion, the Mitch Daniels School of Business, Purdue Computes and the One Health initiative — at https://www.purdue.edu/president/strategic-initiatives.