Purdue University Launches Neil Armstrong Space Prize for Excellence

A new international award named after the first person to walk on the moon aims to recognize significant advancements in space exploration. The Neil Armstrong Space Prize was announced by Purdue University on July 20, 2025, coinciding with the 56th anniversary of the historic Apollo 11 moon landing. The ceremony took place at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., and seeks to establish itself as a prestigious accolade akin to the Nobel Prize, specifically for achievements in “space discovery.”

“This prize carries Armstrong’s name and Purdue’s space legacy,” stated Mung Chiang, president of Purdue University, in a press release. He emphasized that the initiative emerges at a pivotal moment in the evolution of space exploration, aiming to inspire the next generation to pursue groundbreaking discoveries.

Purdue University, known as “the cradle of astronauts,” has produced more astronauts than any other institution, with a total of 28 alumni who have ventured into space. Among the attendees at the launch were eight of Purdue’s living astronaut alumni, including Jerry Ross, who has flown on seven space shuttle missions, alongside fellow shuttle veterans Roy Bridges, Mark Polansky, and Charlie Walker. The event also highlighted the contributions of suborbital fliers such as Sirisha Bandla, Marc Eagle, Beth Moses, and Audrey Powers.

The inaugural Armstrong Prize will be awarded in three categories: technologies that enhance life on Earth, discoveries that expand our understanding of the universe, and achievements in space exploration that inspire future endeavors. Nominations for individuals or teams will open in August 2025 and will remain open until November 1, 2025.

A selection committee comprising prominent figures from the space industry will oversee the award process. Members include Jim Free, former NASA associate administrator; Kathy Lueders, SpaceX Starbase manager; Rob Meyerson, former president of Blue Origin; and Thomas Zurbuchen, former head of NASA’s science division. The committee will be chaired by Dan Dumbacher, a professor of engineering practice at Purdue.

At the event, Arvind Raman, the John A. Edwardson Dean of Purdue’s College of Engineering, remarked, “At a time when space is more accessible than ever, this award aims to inspire the next generation of space leaders while highlighting Purdue’s enduring role in space research, exploration, security, and partnerships with NASA, the U.S. Space Force, and the commercial space sector.”

The Neil Armstrong Space Prize represents a significant step forward in acknowledging the vital contributions of individuals and teams who push the boundaries of human understanding and capability in space. By aligning itself with the legacy of Neil Armstrong, the award aims to foster innovation and exploration in an era where space has become increasingly important to humanity’s future.