Purdue University Creates Neil Armstrong Space Prize
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University announced the creation of a new award dedicated to one of the most famous American astronauts and one of their most famous alumni.
The Neil Armstrong Space Prize is described as being a new international award honoring excellence in space discovery, innovation and human achievement. The university wants this award to become the premier global honor in space advancement and stand alongside other prestigious honors in the scientific field, including the Nobel Prize.
The award honors Purdue graduate Neil Armstrong (BSAAE ’55, HDR ’00), who led the team of three American astronauts who were the first to land on the moon on July 20, 1969.
The award was unveiled in a ceremony on July 20 in Washington, D.C., to commemorate the 56th anniversary of the historic landing of Apollo 11. Purdue University President Mung Chiang welcomed dignitaries at the National Building Museum to celebrate the new award.
“This prize carries Armstrong’s name and Purdue’s space legacy and the Boilermaker spirit of exploration,” President Chiang said. “We 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.”
The inaugural Neil Armstrong Space Prize will be awarded in 2026 to go along with celebrating America’s 250th birthday.
“Small steps become giant leaps! Purdue is answering the call for the endless space frontier with initiatives championing groundbreaking research in all fields & partnerships that elevate the nation,” said Chiang.
Three categories of prizes will be awarded:
Innovation — for space technologies that benefit humanity
Discovery — for breakthroughs that expand our understanding of the universe
Human Achievement — for pioneering accomplishments in space that inspire progress
Sunday’s event in D.C. also included a panel discussion, “Space: The Next Endless Frontier.” President Chiang spoke to the future of space exploration and the university’s commitment to excellence and innovation in scientific achievement.
“When you look up to the starry nights, every night, now and forward, you will know that there is always out there in space a small part that is forever human, forever American and forever Boilermaker.”
Purdue has also recently launched a new space engineering program, included with an online master’s degree and an undergraduate certificate. The initiative is designed to prepare students for careers in space exploration, the commercial space industry and space security.
