FAQ
What is the prize for?
The Schweickart Prize honors the distinguished career and public leadership of Apollo 9 astronaut and B612 Foundation cofounder Rusty Schweickart. It was established to inspire emerging talent and promote innovation in protecting Earth from asteroid impacts.
Presented annually on International Asteroid Day, the prize recognizes an exceptional individual or team of graduate students and post-doctoral fellows for groundbreaking ideas and leadership potential in advancing planetary defense. Applicants must submit proposals that envision significant improvements in planetary defense capabilities, including asteroid impact prediction, mitigation strategies, legal and policy frameworks, and public education. Proposals are evaluated for originality, feasibility, and their potential to make a meaningful impact on planetary defense.
What does the winner receive?
The winning recipient will receive:
• $10,000 USD unrestricted cash award
• Museum quality award with authentic meteorite
• Networking opportunities with leaders in the field and conference presentations
• Public recognition through digital press campaign
How can students get more information?
Students should visit the student section of the website to get the most up to date information. Resources to help inspire ideas for proposals can be found on the news + resources page. Students are also encouraged to sign up for our newsletter.
Who can apply?
The Schweickart Prize is open to graduate students and postdoctoral fellows worldwide. Applicants may apply individually or as part of a team.
Can teams apply?
Yes, one representative from the team may apply on behalf of the whole team, and they will serve as the team's spokesperson and single point of contact through the process.
What is the submission deadline for the prize?
Mandatory pre-applications are now open. Final proposals, letters of recommendation and other materials are due March 5, 2025. Please refer to the student section to receive the latest information on this year’s deadlines. The Prize winner will be announced on June 30th in honor of Asteroid Day.
How will the student receive the prize and what can it be used for?
The Schweickart Prize committee will award a cash prize intended to support the recipient's research or work in planetary defense. The prize can be disbursed in one of the following ways, based on the recipient’s preference:
• Direct cash payment to the student;
• Reimbursement for expenses related to planetary defense projects;
• Payment through the student’s university if chosen by the recipient.
Unless the recipient opts for reimbursement, no reporting on the use of the prize funds will be required.
Will the university receive any money to support the Prize winner?
$2,500 USD will be provided to the student's university to host a celebration for their Prize winning achievements.
What is a Schweickart Prize Ambassador?
The Schweickart Prize Ambassadors are individuals who spread the word about the prize to prospective applicants. These individuals serve as the main point of contact between students and the Schweickart Prize committee. They are pivotal in the entire process as they make sure the prize is promoted properly and are a resource for all students and those interested in learning more about the Prize. For more information, visit the ambassador section and fill in this form.