PPRI to host Space Policy, Science + Technology Symposium @ Purdue from March 23-25

The Purdue Policy Research Institute (PPRI) will convene leaders from government, industry, the military and academia for the second annual Space Policy, Science + Technology Symposium @ Purdue from March 23-25 in the North Ballroom of Purdue Memorial Union.

The three-day symposium will focus on the 2026 theme, “Addressing Space Debris as a U.S. National Security Risk,” highlighting the growing strategic, economic and security implications of congestion and competition in Earth’s orbital environment. Through keynote talks, panels, workshops and engagement sessions, the event will foster cross-sector dialogue aimed at informing future space policy and advancing research collaboration, strengthening U.S. leadership in space.

A national forum on space policy and security

Hosted by PPRI, the symposium brings together experts across public and private sectors to examine how policy, technology and strategy must evolve to ensure safe, sustainable and secure access to space. Discussions will explore space domain awareness, debris mitigation, international norms and the policy frameworks needed to support maneuverability and resilience in an increasingly contested domain.

“Space debris is not just a technical or environmental issue — it is a pressing national security concern,” organizers noted in outlining the 2026 program. The symposium is designed to identify critical knowledge gaps, encourage new partnerships and produce actionable insights that can inform policymakers and practitioners alike.

Notable speakers and program highlights

The symposium will feature keynote addresses, high-level panels and fireside chats with prominent leaders in space policy, defense and industry. Program highlights include:

• A fireside chat, “Space Policy for a Changing World,” with former U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn and former NASA Associate Administrator for Technology, Policy and Strategy Charity Weeden
• Senior military and defense leaders, including Maj. Gen. Christopher Povak; Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen; Dr. Stacie Williams, U.S. Space Force chief scientist; Col. Aaron Stevenson, USSF Commercial Space Office; and Maj. Robert Perez-Alemany, Defense Innovation Unit
• Senior industry leaders discuss “Next-Generation Missile Defense (Golden Dome),” “Maneuver Without Regret,” “What is the Business Case for Space Debris Mitigation?” and more
• Allies from Australia, Italy, Japan and the Republic of Korea discuss an allied perspective on space security and sustainability

Full registration details, agenda and the evolving speakers list are available on the symposium website. Registration ends March 15.

Sponsors and partners

The symposium is hosted by the Purdue Policy Research Institute and supported by Purdue partners including the College of Engineering, which is helping expand the program to highlight the breadth and depth of space research across the university. The College of Science, College of Liberal Arts and Mitch Daniels School of Business, along with the Air Force Research Lab, are co-sponsors, ensuring the success of the event through funding and partnership.

The event also gets support from the Purdue Applied Research Institute, Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy, and Purdue Research Foundation and Office of Industry Partnerships .

About the Purdue Policy Research Institute

PPRI is an interdisciplinary institute at Purdue University that brings together researchers and practitioners to advance data-driven policymaking and policy assessment at the local, state, national, and global levels. Based in Purdue’s Discovery Park District, PPRI catalyzes and supports policy-relevant research across a range of strategic focus areas, connecting academic expertise with policymakers and practitioners to address complex, real-world challenges. Through research, engagement, and innovative scholarly communication, PPRI works to translate evidence into practical insights that inform sound public policy and strengthen communities in the United States and around the world.