Dan Dumbacher, Chair
Professor of Engineering Practice, School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Purdue University
Purdue University will bestow its newest honor – the Neil Armstrong Space Prize – upon those whose contributions to space in the preceding decade are deemed the most consequential for humanity.
The inaugural Neil Armstrong Space Prize laureates were announced on April 21, 2026.
Announcement
SpaceX team wins Purdue’s first Neil Armstrong Space Prize for its reusable rocket system
The 2026 Neil Armstrong Space Prize was announced Tuesday (April 21) at Purdue University, heralding the Falcon 9 Booster Landing Team as the inaugural laureate of the Neil Armstrong Space Prize, for their cutting-edge work on the Falcon 9 reusable two-stage rocket system.
Nominations for the Neil Armstrong Space Prize will be accepted beginning July 20, 2026. The prize is evaluated in three categories.
NEIL ARMSTRONG SPACE PRIZE CATEGORIES
About Neil Armstrong
On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first person to step onto the moon’s surface, speaking the famous words, “That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.” He served as commander of this historic Apollo 11 mission, on which he also became the first person to land a spacecraft on the moon.
In 1947, Armstrong enrolled at Purdue under the Holloway Plan, which covered college tuition for applicants who would attend the first two years of college, then complete two years of flight training and one year of service as an aviator in the U.S. Navy before returning to college for their final two years of academic study. Armstrong graduated from Purdue in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautical engineering.
He received an honorary doctorate from Purdue in 1970 and countless awards and honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and Congressional Gold Medal. In 2007, Purdue dedicated the Neil Armstrong Hall of Engineering, the flagship of the College of Engineering.
TIMELINE
July 20, 2026
Call for Nominations
November 1, 2026
Nominations Due
Spring 2027
Prize recipients announced
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE NOMINATION PROCESS
Who can nominate?
Nominations for individuals or teams from around the globe are welcome. The impact of the nominated discovery, innovation, or achievement is essential and will be closely assessed to assure the highest honor to be bestowed by the Neil Armstrong Space Prize.
Who can be nominated?
Nominees should consist of individuals or teams who have made noteworthy contributions to the fields of Discovery, Innovation, and Human Achievement in space.
Can I apply for the Neil Armstrong Space Prize?
Self-nominations are not encouraged. It is expected that the nominated person and their accomplishment be recognized by peers and experts within the space community for their contribution and impact to the space ecosystem.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Selection Committee
Jim Free
Aerospace Executive
Kathryn Lueders
Commercial Space Consultant, Retired NASA Human Exploration and Space Operations Associate Administrator
Rob Meyerson
CEO and co-founder, Interlune Corporation, and former president of Blue Origin
Thomas Hansueli Zurbuchen
Swiss–American astrophysicist, ETH Zurich Space Director, professor, board member, advisor, and international speaker
Advisory Committee
Kathleen Howell, Chair
Hsu Lo Distinguished Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Purdue University
George Smoot III*
Professor of Physics, Cosmologist, Nobel Laureate in Physics 2006
Henry Yang
Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Chancellor Emeritus, University of California, Santa Barbara
*We are deeply saddened at the passing of George Smoot III. His significant influence on this committee will continue posthumously.
Support the Legacy
Commemorate an extraordinary legacy of world-changing giant leaps by supporting the space prize. Conceived to recognize the hearts and minds boldly redefining our place among the stars—and designed to stand alongside the Nobel and Fields prizes.
