Purdue selected by U.S. Space Force to expand specialized cybersecurity training
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University has been selected to deliver a specialized cybersecurity training program to the U.S. Space Force following a successful pilot developed by the cyber Technical Assistance Program (cyberTAP).
The pilot provided Space Force Guardians with intensive, hands-on instruction across offensive and defensive cybersecurity operations. Participants completed an immersive curriculum spanning ethical hacking, vulnerability management, enterprise security, threat identification, Python scripting and applied cybersecurity mission exercises. Initial assessments showed strong learning gains and rapid skill development among participants.
The Space Force selected Purdue’s cyberTAP, a unique extension of the Technical Assistance Program under the Office of Research, for the continued partnership due to the university’s development of the original curriculum, established online training environment, specialized instructional model and demonstrated ability to meet mission-specific training requirements.
The follow-on effort includes a comprehensive 490-hour cybersecurity training program featuring both red-team and blue-team operations — a role-playing exercise that mimics a hacking attempt — and a capstone exercise designed to assess practical cybersecurity mission readiness.
“This pilot demonstrated what is possible when learners are given dedicated time, direct access to instructors and a training environment built around real-world mission requirements,” said George Bailey, director of cyberTAP. “What began as a pilot has now matured into a sustainable partnership that enables Purdue to help prepare Guardians with the technical skills and operational confidence required to meet evolving cyberchallenges.”
The pilot represented another milestone in Purdue’s growing partnership with the Space Force, which includes a series of educational, workforce development and talent initiatives established through the U.S. Space Force University Partnership Program.
“Our Guardians embraced the challenge, and the results validated the value of immersive, hands-on cybereducation,” said Chief Master Sgt. Amber Abramowski, senior enlisted advisor to the deputy chief of space operations for operations, cyber and nuclear. “The success of this pilot demonstrated measurable readiness gains and reinforced the importance of partnerships that bring together operational requirements and world-class educational expertise. We are excited to continue expanding opportunities that strengthen the Guardian workforce.”
The continued collaboration reflects Purdue’s broader commitment to supporting national security through a robust defense research and education ecosystem aligned with emerging operational needs.
“This effort demonstrates the power of integrating workforce development with academic opportunity,” said Dan DeLaurentis, Purdue’s executive vice president for research. “Not only are Guardians gaining mission-relevant cybersecurity skills, but through Purdue Global’s benefits for military-affiliated students, they can also convert that learning into progress toward a degree. This creates a continuum of learning that strengthens both the Space Force workforce and the nation’s broader cybersecurity talent pipeline.”
According to the Space Force acquisition documentation, the program was specifically designed to meet operational cybersecurity training requirements that are not addressed through traditional commercial training offerings.
The continued partnership reflects Purdue’s commitment to developing innovative national security talent pipelines. From specialized cybersecurity training and operational readiness to academic advancement through Purdue Global, Purdue’s online university for working adults, the model creates a scalable pathway that supports lifelong learning while addressing critical cybersecurity workforce requirements for the U.S. Space Force and the nation.
