Purdue Unveils Neil Armstrong Space Prize for Global Space Innovation

Purdue University announced the creation of the Neil Armstrong Space Prize, a prestigious new international award honoring excellence in space discovery, innovation, and human achievement over the past decade. Unveiled on the 56th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, the prize aims to become a Nobel-level honor in space exploration, reflecting Purdue's legacy as the alma mater of more astronauts than any other university. The inaugural award will be presented in 2026, coinciding with America's 250th anniversary, and will be given in three categories: Discovery, Innovation, and Human Achievement. The announcement event, held at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., featured astronaut Jerry Ross, a Purdue alumnus and the only person launched into space seven times, alongside seven other Purdue-trained astronauts. Purdue President Mung Chiang emphasized the prize's connection to Armstrong's name and Purdue's spirit of exploration, highlighting its role in inspiring future space leaders. A panel discussion on the future of space exploration followed the unveiling, underscoring the prize's significance in a transformational era for space.