Jason Williams named as crewmember of the all-Boilermaker Purdue 1 spaceflight

Jason Williamson’s career journey is marked by curiosity, determination and an enduring passion for building and space exploration. Raised in a small-town Indiana by two hardworking, blue-collar parents, Williamson (BSCE ’97) gravitated toward hands-on discovery — wandering cornfields, constructing model airplanes and rockets, and piecing together Erector Sets and Legos. This early fascination sparked his decision to attend Space Camp in high school, seizing what he saw as his best chance to get close to space. His relentless desire to learn led him to civil engineering, where he found a natural outlet for his love of problem-solving and innovation. Purdue played a transformative role in Williamson’s life, shaping his values and career.

“My journey with Purdue has been transformative, truly a launching pad for every stage of my life,” he said. “It was at Purdue that I learned the value of discipline, teamwork and vision. These lessons have guided me at every step of my career and life, not only academically but also as a leader and as a person. It’s where I discovered the intersection of engineering, leadership and service.”

Williamson’s career exemplifies the diverse opportunities in civil engineering. As senior vice president of the multidisciplinary design firm Dunaway, he manages complex projects by merging strategic vision with hands-on expertise, while also mentoring future engineers and building strong partnerships. For Williamson, a registered professional engineer, civil engineering is more than just a profession — it’s a platform to turn dreams into real-world impact, shape communities and foster lifelong growth and leadership.

Purdue 1 spaceflight

Building on its tremendous space legacy, Purdue is pursuing a groundbreaking opportunity — research and learning aboard a Virgin Galactic suborbital spaceflight with an all-Boilermaker crew. The flight, dubbed Purdue 1, is expected to lift off in 2027.

Williamson’s connection to Purdue 1 began unexpectedly. After joining Virgin Galactic’s “NXTGEN” astronaut program, he gained access to the Galactic 06 mission at Spaceport America in New Mexico in 2024. At this event, he stood among Virgin Galactic team members and noticed many Purdue alumni — researchers, astronauts, instructors and leaders — who were integral to commercial spaceflight.

Within months, Williamson was invited to witness the historic commercial flight of VSS Unity, Galactic 07. There, he encountered Steven Collicott, professor of aerospace engineering, who flew on Galactic 07 with a Purdue rotational slosh experiment, further strengthening the university’s reputation in space research.

Collicott and Williamson have been named two members of the five-person crew expected to fly on the Purdue 1 suborbital mission. Williamson’s selection for Purdue 1 was based not only on his professional achievements but also on his commitment to inspiring others. Through years of mentoring students, engaging underserved communities and serving as a Purdue ambassador, he has embodied the mission’s spirit: highlighting Boilermakers who strive for excellence while supporting those around them.

Preparation for the Purdue 1 mission is both rigorous and exciting. Williamson and his fellow crew members will complete a multi-day training program at Spaceport America, covering all aspects of the spacecraft, launch vehicle, flight procedures, spacesuit systems and mission gear. Training includes hands-on preparation and full mission walkthroughs to ensure every specialist and private astronaut is ready for spaceflight.

A key highlight of premission training is parabolic flight, where the crew will briefly experience simulated weightlessness, providing a preview of microgravity. To prepare for the physical demands of launch and re-entry, the team will also complete centrifuge training to acclimate to the intense G-forces of the mission.

The core of the Purdue 1 mission is scientific discovery and academic advancement. For the first time, Purdue researchers and students will oversee and conduct experiments in microgravity, setting a new standard for university- led access to space. The onboard research will focus on fluid behavior in zero gravity, a crucial area for future innovations in spaceflight design and fuel management.

As the mission approaches, final preparations and experiments are still in development, with the team pushing the boundaries of suborbital research. The anticipated 2027 flight will last about 90 minutes, including a parabolic arc that provides approximately four minutes of true microgravity.

“More than anything, I’m looking forward to the moment when I cross the threshold to space, fulfilling a dream that has been with me since childhood,” Williamson said.