SPACE POLICY, SCIENCE + TECHNOLOGY SYMPOSIUM @ PURDUE
Addressing Space Debris as a U.S. National Security Risk
Registration ends March 15
The Space Policy, Science + Technology Symposium @ Purdue brings together government, military, industry and academia. Drawing on their collective knowledge and experience, participants will help to identify knowledge gaps and set next steps in research, partnering and policy development.
2026 Symposium Theme: Addressing Space Debris as a U.S. National Security Risk
Space debris is not just a technical or environmental issue — it is a pressing national security concern. As the U.S. seeks to maintain space superiority, it must ensure the safety and sustainability of orbital operations to preserve military readiness, economic stability and strategic dominance in the space domain.Addressing the national security risks of space debris requires a combination of sound policy and its enforcement, technological innovation and strategic deterrence. By improving space-domain awareness, investing in debris mitigation, enhancing maneuverability and reinforcing international norms, the U.S. can safeguard its assets and maintain space superiority in an increasingly contested environment.
General registration: $500
Non-Purdue graduate students: $250
Purdue faculty, staff, students: Free
Active duty military: Free
Fantastic gathering of space enthusiasts from USG, industry and academia delving into the day’s hottest topics. Honored to be included in the hopefully first of many such events at Purdue University!
— Scotty Van Sant, VS Consulting
There aren’t many institutions that can pull together the brightest minds in government, industry, and academia. Purdue is one of those institutions. I found the first Space Policy, Science, and Technology Symposium to be extremely beneficial, and I can’t wait to see how Purdue will build on these efforts in March!
— Brent Blevins, Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee, US House of Representatives
There aren’t many institutions that can pull together the brightest minds in government, industry, and academia. Purdue is one of those institutions. I found the first Space Policy, Science, and Technology Symposium to be extremely beneficial, and I can’t wait to see how Purdue will build on these efforts in March!
— Bruce McClintock, Senior Researcher and RAND Space Enterprise Initiative Lead, RAND
Contact Us
Registration and Local Area Inquiries
Kate Mitsch, kmmitsch@purdue.edu
General Symposium Inquiries
ppri@purdue.edu
Media Inquiries
Krista Kelley, kokelley@purdue.edu