#USA #San Francisco #B612 Foundation #Jordan Stone #Schweickart Prize

B612 Foundation Honors Jordan Stone with the Schweickart Prize

On June 26, 2025, the B612 Foundation celebrated the announcement of the Schweickart Prize winner, recognizing exceptional student proposals that contribute to humanity's preparedness against asteroid impacts. This year, Jordan Stone, a student from Imperial College London, led a groundbreaking proposal that advocates the establishment of the Panel on Asteroid Orbit Alteration (PAOA). This international panel aims to address the alarming risks posed by unintended changes to asteroid orbits due to human activities in space, such as asteroid mining, exploration missions, and potential spacecraft malfunctions.

Danica Remy, President of B612 Foundation and co-founder of Asteroid Day, expressed the significance of the Schweickart Prize, named after Apollo astronaut Rusty Schweickart, stating that it exemplifies innovation and collaborative problem-solving in the realm of space exploration. Remy noted, "This year's winning proposal truly embodies that spirit by anticipating a critical future challenge in space and offering a thoughtful, actionable solution to safeguard our planet."

The winning proposal highlights the increasing likelihood of human activities unintentionally altering the orbits of near-Earth objects, necessitating a structured response to mitigate potential threats. The PAOA's mission involves formulating comprehensive scientific, technical, and policy frameworks to manage these risks effectively, thereby providing a coordinated planetary defense mechanism as the space industry grows.

Jordan Stone, the proposal's lead, articulated the importance of fostering a global framework that encourages collaboration among nations and experts, ensuring responsible practices in space exploration that do not jeopardize Earth's safety. "As humanity ventures further into space, the potential for unintended consequences grows," he stated. "The PAOA can serve as a critical international framework for this cause."

The Schweickart Prize not only honors the winning proposal but also acknowledges several other noteworthy projects through honorable mentions. These include:

• - Asteroid Impact Guidance and Information System, developed by Chloe Long and colleagues from the University of Colorado Boulder.
• - YOSO (You Only Stack Once) for Detecting Unseen NEO Threats, presented by Nitya Pandey from the University of Chile.

The official prize presentation, featuring a physical award and a $10,000 grant, is set for June 30 at Lowell Observatory, aligning with Asteroid Day celebrations. The award will be presented in person by Rusty Schweickart and Danica Remy, and the public is invited to attend this momentous occasion. Additionally, Imperial College London is planning a fall event to further honor Jordan Stone and his team, supported by B612 Foundation.

In summary, the Schweickart Prize represents a vital initiative to cultivate a new generation of leaders in the field of planetary defense. By embracing innovative ideas and fostering cooperation across borders, the B612 Foundation works diligently to protect our planet from potential asteroid threats, ensuring the long-term sustainability of human activities in space. For more information on the winning proposal, visit schweickartprize.org.

Conclusion

This recognition underscores the importance of proactive planning in space exploration and reinforces the critical need for international cooperation in addressing the complexities of planetary defense. As we move forward, the work of the PAOA will be essential in shaping a safer future in our shared pursuit of the cosmos.