Purdue Partners with Space Force
[Sept. 29
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowPurdue University has signed an agreement to become the latest member of the U.S. Space Force University Partnership Program. Purdue is one of 11 universities initially selected to join the UPP, which will help provide research and manpower for the newest branch of the U.S. military.
Purdue President Mitch Daniels and Gen. David Thompson, USSF vice chief of space operations, signed a memorandum of agreement during a ceremony on the Purdue campus.
“Our partnership with the Space Force provides yet another example of our commitment to space exploration and national security,” said Daniels.
The Space Force says strategic partnerships with nationally renowned universities, like Purdue, allows it to recruit and educate a diverse, high-caliber workforce. Advanced research at the school will also play a key role to “develop a 21st century, technology-savvy military service,” said the USSF.
Space Force was signed into law into December 2019 as part of the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act by President Trump. It is the first new military service in more than 70 years.
USSF says Purdue was selected on criteria including the quality of STEM degree offerings and space-related research laboratories.
Thompson received his master’s degree in aeronautics and astronautics from the university in 1989.
“As someone who has personally benefited from the caliber of education Purdue provides, I am excited for the next generation of Guardians who will expand their knowledge and expertise through this partnership,” said Thompson. “Those Guardians must have the STEM foundation that provides a deep understanding of the space domain to conquer the challenges of today, coupled with the confidence and commitment to solve the problems we are certain to encounter in the future.”
Space Force personnel are referred to as Guardians.
As part of the agreement, Purdue and the Space Force will develop research assistantships, internship agreements, opportunities for Space Force personnel to pursue advanced degrees.