{"id":16241,"date":"2025-07-21T11:55:49","date_gmt":"2025-07-21T15:55:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/newsroom\/?p=16241"},"modified":"2025-10-30T10:49:27","modified_gmt":"2025-10-30T14:49:27","slug":"purdue-announces-launch-of-neil-armstrong-space-prize","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/newsroom\/2025\/Q3\/purdue-announces-launch-of-neil-armstrong-space-prize","title":{"rendered":"Purdue announces launch of Neil Armstrong Space Prize"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. \u2014 Purdue University \u2014 recognized globally as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/space\/\">Cradle of Astronauts<\/a> \u2014 announced the creation of a new international prize honoring excellence over the past 10 years in space discovery, innovation and human achievement. Named the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/space\/prize\/\">Neil Armstrong Space Prize<\/a>, the award is designed to stand alongside other prestigious honors in the scientific field, including the Nobel Prize, and become the premier global honor in space advancement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This transformative initiative leverages Purdue\u2019s unparalleled space heritage, having produced numerous astronauts and pioneering aerospace education and research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The eponymous award honors aerospace pioneer and Purdue graduate Neil Armstrong (BSAAE \u201955, HDR \u201900), who led the team of three American astronauts who were the first to land on the moon on July 20, 1969.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Commemorating the 56th anniversary of the historic landing of Apollo 11, Purdue University President Mung Chiang welcomed dignitaries on Sunday (July 20) to celebrate the unveiling of the new award at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThis prize carries Armstrong\u2019s name and Purdue\u2019s space legacy and the Boilermaker spirit of exploration,\u201d Chiang said. \u201cWe are honored that the Armstrong family is represented here today along with eight Purdue alum astronauts as we unveil the creation of a Nobel-level prize for space at a transformational time for the next giant leaps in space.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The inaugural Neil Armstrong Space Prize will be awarded in 2026 and aligns with America\u2019s 250th celebration, connecting Purdue\u2019s space leadership with this historic national milestone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Three categories of prizes will be awarded:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Innovation \u2014 for space technologies that benefit humanity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Discovery \u2014 for breakthroughs that expand our understanding of the universe<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Human Achievement \u2014 for pioneering accomplishments in space that inspire progress<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Astronaut Jerry Ross (BSME \u201970, MSME \u201972, HDR \u201900) announced the Armstrong Space Prize and was supported by an assembly of seven Purdue-trained astronauts, which reflects the profound influence of Purdue\u2019s academic strengths and highlights the expected impact of the awards program. Ross was joined by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/space\/astronaut\/sirisha-bandla\/\">Sirisha Bandla<\/a> (BSAAE \u201911), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/space\/astronaut\/roy-bridges-jr\/\">Roy Bridges Jr.<\/a> (MS Astronautics \u201966), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/space\/astronaut\/marc-hagle\/\">Marc Hagle<\/a> (BSEE \u201971, MSIA \u201972), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/space\/astronaut\/beth-moses\/\">Beth Moses<\/a> (BSAAE \u201992, MSAA \u201994), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/space\/astronaut\/mark-polansky\/\">Mark Polansky<\/a> (BSAAE \u201978, MSAA \u201978), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/space\/astronaut\/audrey-powers\/\">Audrey Powers<\/a> (BSAAE \u201999) and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/space\/astronaut\/charles-walker\/\">Charles Walker<\/a> (BSAAE \u201971). Also attending the event were four Purdue trustees and leaders from government and industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ross has been launched into space seven times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"876\" height=\"493\" src=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/newsroom\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/2507spaceprize-dc03.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16257\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/newsroom\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/2507spaceprize-dc03.jpg 876w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/newsroom\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/2507spaceprize-dc03-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/newsroom\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/2507spaceprize-dc03-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 876px) 100vw, 876px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Purdue announced the creation of the Neil Armstrong Space Prize, a new international award named for aerospace pioneer and Purdue graduate Neil Armstrong who led the team of three American astronauts who were the first to land on the moon on July 20, 1969. (Purdue University photo\/Jon Garcia)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The event in the nation\u2019s capital also included a panel discussion, \u201cSpace: The Next Endless Frontier,\u201d to examine the future of space exploration, bringing together leaders from academia, government and industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The discussion was moderated by Bandla, who as a commercial astronaut, flew on the Virgin Galactic Unity 22 suborbital test flight in July 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Joining Bandla on the panel were:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/gillian-bussey-79206512\/\">Dr. Gillian Bussey<\/a>, deputy chief science officer for the United States Space Force, who advises USSF on science and technology issues and previously served as an analyst at the Office of the Secretary of Defense\u2019s Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/investors.virgingalactic.com\/governance\/board-of-directors\/person-details\/default.aspx?ItemId=61793bcc-a922-4185-80a1-e8ab1c89b286\">Michael Moses<\/a> (BS physics \u201989, MSAE \u201995), NASA Space Shuttle program launch integration manager from 2008-11 and president of Spaceline commercial spaceflight program at Virgin Galactic since 2011<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/engineering.purdue.edu\/AAE\/aboutus\/meet-head\">William Crossley<\/a>,&nbsp;Purdue\u2019s J. William Uhrig and Anastasia Vournas Head of Aeronautics and Astronautics in the College of Engineering<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Academic, government and industrial partnerships \u2014 including with NASA research centers and leading space economy industries \u2014 serve as a hallmark of Purdue University as they foster innovation, enhance research quality and provide access to resources and expertise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The collaborative efforts have resulted in advances in hypersonics, advanced propulsion systems, in-space manufacturing, and lunar and planetary surface mobility, which are critical to space discovery, economic opportunity and global security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAt a time when space is more accessible than ever, this award aims to inspire the next generation of space leaders while highlighting Purdue\u2019s enduring role in space research, exploration, security and partnerships with NASA, the U.S. Space Force and the commercial space sector,\u201d said <a href=\"https:\/\/engineering.purdue.edu\/ME\/People\/ptProfile?id=12884\">Arvind Raman<\/a>, the John A. Edwardson Dean of Purdue\u2019s College of Engineering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Along with astronauts bearing Purdue credentials, space exploration and innovation are in Purdue\u2019s DNA. The university leads all public institutions of higher learning for the number of alumni who have entered public and commercial space programs. Purdue\u2019s commitment to discovery of space is also well-grounded in research. The university\u2019s interdisciplinary expertise spans advanced manufacturing, aerospace research, astronautics, engineering and planetary science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Purdue also has celebrated a variety of recent space announcements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n    <div  class=\"purdue-home-quick-links-static \">\n        <div class=\"tagged-header-container\">\n\n            <h2 class=\"tagged-header\"><span>ADDITIONAL INFORMATION<\/span><\/h2>\n        \n        <\/div>\n\n       <ul class=\"quick-links-content\">\n                                        <li class=\"quick-link__item\">\n                                                                <a class=\"quick-link__link\"\n                                    href=\"https:\/\/stories.purdue.edu\/how-neil-armstrong-spawned-lots-of-aerospace-engineers-with-one-giant-leap\/?_gl=1*1c7o59f*_gcl_au*MTUwMzg5NDAwOS4xNzQ2MDM1NzYw*_ga*MTIyOTMxNDY0NC4xNzQ2MDM1NzYw*_ga_PF1CYQ27F6*czE3NTMxMDI0ODQkbzg0JGcwJHQxNzUzMTAyNDg0JGo2MCRsMCRoMA..\" target=\"_blank\">\n                                    How Neil Armstrong \u2018spawned lots of aerospace engineers\u2019 with one giant leap                                <\/a>\n                            <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"quick-link__item\">\n                                                                <a class=\"quick-link__link\"\n                                    href=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/newsroom\/2025\/Q3\/space-systems-degrees-program-meets-the-challenge-of-modern-engineering\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n                                    Space systems degrees program meets the challenge of modern engineering                                <\/a>\n                            <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"quick-link__item\">\n                                                                <a class=\"quick-link__link\"\n                                    href=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/newsroom\/2025\/Q3\/space-force-partnerships-open-new-research-graduate-opportunities\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n                                    Space Force partnerships open new research, graduate opportunities                                <\/a>\n                            <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"quick-link__item\">\n                                                                <a class=\"quick-link__link\"\n                                    href=\"https:\/\/engineering.purdue.edu\/AAE\/spotlights\/2025\/2025-0718-purdue-alumnus-marc-hagle-joins-universitys-cradle-of-astronauts\" target=\"_blank\">\n                                    Purdue alumnus Marc Hagle joins university&#8217;s Cradle of Astronauts                                <\/a>\n                            <\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About Purdue University<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019s main campus has frozen tuition 14 years in a row. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap \u2014 including its comprehensive urban expansion, the Mitch Daniels School of Business, Purdue Computes and the One Health initiative \u2014 at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/president\/strategic-initiatives\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/president\/strategic-initiatives<\/strong><\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"note\" class=\"post-content__attribution \">\n    <div class=\"columns\"> \n                    <div class=\"column\"> \n                <p class=\"post-content__source\">\n                    <strong>Media contact:<\/strong> Wes Mills, <a href=\"mailto:wemills@purdue.edu\">wemills@purdue.edu<\/a>                <\/p>\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"column is-narrow\">                 \n                <div class=\"post-content__editor-note\">\n                    <p class=\"post-content__editor-note--header\">Note to journalists:<\/p>\n                    <p>    \n                        B-roll and soundbites from this event are available for media use on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrive.google.com%2Fdrive%2Ffolders%2F1GNsavUA2bqvtT_IXZ5Ny70cz3p0XCkyx%3Fusp%3Dsharing&amp;data=05%7C02%7Clfarr%40purdue.edu%7Cb8da8d39f3e84231ae9908ddc890fdd2%7C4130bd397c53419cb1e58758d6d63f21%7C1%7C0%7C638887247273545327%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=1WqEX2rHW3zv%2BJYLKv%2Fb96U7XpZM4q75dn0fopc4VOk%3D&amp;reserved=0\">Google Drive<\/a>.                    <\/p>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. \u2014 Purdue University \u2014 recognized globally as the Cradle of Astronauts \u2014 announced the creation of a new international prize honoring excellence over the past 10 years in space discovery, innovation and human achievement. Named the Neil<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":16240,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,524],"tags":[],"department":[],"source":[29],"purdue_today_topic":[],"coauthors":[41],"class_list":["post-16241","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-research-excellence","category-space","source-purdue-news"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16241","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/25"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16241"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16241\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16274,"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16241\/revisions\/16274"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16240"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16241"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16241"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16241"},{"taxonomy":"department","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/department?post=16241"},{"taxonomy":"source","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/source?post=16241"},{"taxonomy":"purdue_today_topic","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/purdue_today_topic?post=16241"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=16241"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}