NSSA ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
A Shared Commitment to the Future of Space
NSSA is honored to partner with our scholarship sponsors in empowering the next generation of innovators, researchers, and leaders who will shape the future of space security and exploration. Through these collaborations, we create meaningful opportunities that open doors for talented individuals, enabling them to pursue their educational and professional goals. Together, we’re not just supporting students—we’re building a stronger, more resilient, and innovative space community that will drive progress and protect our nation’s interests for decades to come.
$10,000 / $5,000 RGi Scholarships
The Reinventing Geospatial | RGi Scholarship supports undergraduate and graduate students preparing to contribute to national security and space. It recognizes students who combine strong academics with leadership, financial need, curiosity, and a commitment to solving complex technical and mission challenges. Preference is given to studies relevant to national security space, including engineering, computer science, geospatial intelligence, artificial intelligence and machine learning, cybersecurity, space operations, intelligence, and related technical or policy fields. A $10,000 scholarship and a $5,000 scholarship will be awarded.
Eligibility
- U.S. citizen
- Undergraduate or graduate
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Field of study: engineering; computer science, geospatial intelligence, AI/ML, cybersecurity, space, intelligence, policy, and related fields
- Career interest: space operations, space acquisition, intelligence, missile defense, engineering/technical, policy/law, cybersecurity
Selection Priorities
- Academic excellence
- Leadership experience
- Financial need
- Commitment to national security/space fields
- Research or innovation
$10,000 Moorman Scholarship
With contributions from Booz Allen, The Moorman Scholarship honors the legacy of General (USAF) Thomas S. Moorman Jr., and his significant contributions to shaping national security space within the Air Force and the Department of Defense. This scholarship is intended for undergraduate students of sophomore, junior, or senior standing, who demonstrate qualities reflective of General Moorman’s legacy—exemplary leadership, verbal and written excellence, and commitment to service (i.e., community engagement, volunteer work, or other impactful initiatives).
Eligibility
- U.S. citizen
- Undergraduate or graduate
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Field of study: engineering; computer science, geospatial intelligence, AI/ML, cybersecurity, space, intelligence, policy, and related fields
- Career interest: space operations, space acquisition, intelligence, missile defense, engineering/technical, policy/law, cybersecurity
Selection Priorities
- Academic excellence
- Leadership experience
- Financial need
- Commitment to national security/space fields
- Research or innovation
$10,000 Norton Family Omni Space Scholarship
The $10,000 Norton Family Omni Space Scholarship was established to support the next generation of STEM leaders who aspire to make a meaningful impact on the national security space enterprise. This $10,000 scholarship is intended for exceptional students pursuing STEM fields who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a strong commitment to a future career supporting U.S. national security in space. Applicants with interests spanning space operations, acquisition, intelligence, missile defense, engineering and technology, policy and law, or cybersecurity are encouraged to apply, with particular consideration given to those who demonstrate a passion for research and innovation. Finalists may also be invited to participate in a virtual interview with the NSSA Scholarship Selection Committee.
Eligibility
- U.S. citizen
- Undergraduate, doctoral student, or exceptional high school senior
- Minimum GPA of 3.5
- Pursuing a STEM field of study
- Demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career related to national security space
- Military experience is viewed positively but not required
Selection Priorities
- Academic excellence
- Demonstrated leadership
- Commitment to national security and space
- Research, innovation, or other evidence of initiative and impact
- Potential to contribute meaningfully to the future national security space workforce
Scholarship Eligibility and Use of Funds
All NSSA scholarships are open exclusively to U.S. citizens. Scholarship awards must be used solely for tuition expenses, will be remitted directly to the college/university and must be applied to the Fall academic semester immediately following the award announcement. Recipients are selected and announced during the summer, and scholarship funds may not be deferred or applied to a future academic term.
Application Deadline: March 5, 2027
2026 NSSA SCHOLARSHIP RECIPEINTS
$10,000 RGi Scholarship
Jackson Artis
"I've been taught my whole life to make sure I'm using my education to the benefit of others and since completing my bachelors degree, I've been looking for ways to do so in this industry. When I came across NSSA and this scholarship sponsored by RGi, I was hopeful I might win it but I was more so hopeful I could connect with this group of individuals who have demonstrated a similar passion and perspective. I am so honored, blessed, and humbled to have received this award and to have been selected by such an accomplished group of leaders in the field. I am committed to making sure I pay their generosity and support forward as I progress in my career."
Jackson Artis is a Ph.D. student in Aerospace Engineering at Cornell University whose work sits at the intersection of space systems, national security, and mission-level analysis. His interest in national security space grew through advanced studies at Princeton University and Johns Hopkins University, and was solidified during his time at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, where he analyzed multi-domain defense architectures and the critical role of satellite systems in future military operations. Jackson has dedicated his career to understanding how space architectures can be made more effective, resilient, and sustainable. As a mission-level modeling and simulation analyst, he evaluated complex defense systems spanning the land, air, and space domains, while his research explores new approaches to designing agile satellite constellations for emerging security challenges. Beyond his technical work, Jackson has been a committed mentor and advocate for expanding opportunities in engineering, drawing on his own experiences to help build a more inclusive aerospace workforce. Through his research, leadership, and commitment to public service, he aims to strengthen both the technical foundations and the people behind America’s national security space enterprise.
$5,000 RGi Scholarship
Nathan O'Brien
"I am deeply grateful to all the mentors who took a chance on me. This recognition only strengthens my commitment to advancing American interests in space, and I look forward to contributing to that mission throughout my career."
Nathan O'Brien is a graduate student in Aerospace Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he maintains a 4.0 GPA while specializing in guidance, navigation, and control systems for space applications. His interest in national security space grew through hands-on experience across the aerospace industry, including work on missile defense systems at Lockheed Martin, launch vehicle navigation at Blue Origin, and military satellite operations at York Space Systems. Nathan has combined technical expertise with a strong interest in space security, serving as a consultant for the Center for Strategic and International Studies' Aerospace Security Project and conducting graduate research on space-based missile defense architectures. As the founder of Florida Rocket Lab's business development team, he also demonstrated leadership by helping secure significant funding to support student-led propulsion development. Through his engineering, research, and policy experience, Nathan is building a career at the intersection of space technology and national security, with the goal of strengthening the resilience and effectiveness of U.S. and allied space systems.
$10,000 Moorman Scholarship
Hriday Unadkat
“I’m truly humbled and honored to be awarded the Moorman Scholarship. The scholarship will help me defray the cost of my educational expenses, while also connecting me with the professionals across the space and national security sectors that will help fuel my ambitions in this industry. With the gracious support of the NSSA, I hope to honor the legacy, grit, and spirit of General Thomas S. Moorman Jr. to the very best I can.”
Hriday Unadkat is a recent graduate from Princeton University, majoring in mechanical & aerospace engineering, minoring in robotics & intelligent systems, and engaging as a fellow in the pre-law program. A former thermal engineering intern at SpaceX with the Starlink team, former lead for the Princeton SpaceShot initiative working on a two-stage rocket aimed at the Karman Line, legal fellow at the Princeton Legal Journal, and policy analyst with Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs, Hriday is an avid explorer of the intersections between aerospace, law, and policy. Hriday currently spends his time working on Ripline, a compliance company supporting aerospace companies. Outside of industry, he also practices martial arts and roots for the Washington Commanders.
2025 NSSA SCHOLARSHIP RECIPEINTS
$10,000 RGi Scholarship
Will Kirby
2nd Lt. Will Kirby is a U.S. Space Force officer assigned to the 53d Space Operations Squadron, where he supports command and control of the Wideband Global SATCOM constellation and is developing a Crew Commander Course to enhance operational readiness. A Virginia Tech graduate and current Johns Hopkins University master's student, he has distinguished himself through operational excellence, innovative leadership, and a strong commitment to advancing space education. From co-founding Virginia Tech's Space Training Advancement and Readiness Squadron (STARS) to contributing research at NASA Goddard and supporting critical military operations, Will is helping shape the future of the national security space enterprise.
$10,000 Moorman Scholarship
Shreya Chandra
Shreya Chandra is an Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering student at the University of California, Davis, with a passion for advancing space exploration and national security. A four-time NASA engineering intern, Matthew Isakowitz Fellow, Goldin Research Fellow, and U.S. Department of Energy NNSA PATH Scholar, she has combined academic excellence with impactful research and leadership. As co-founder of UC Davis's Aggie Space Initiative and chair of the university's AIAA chapter, Shreya is helping shape the next generation of space technology, policy, and innovation.