Malphrus inducted into KY Aviation Hall of Fame

Dr. Benjamin K. Malphrus, executive director of the Space Science Center and professor of space science at Morehead State University, will be inducted into the Kentucky Aviation Hall of Fame.  

Malphrus was instrumental in developing the space systems engineering and astrophysics programs at Morehead State and the construction of MSU’s Space Science Center. Malphrus has served on the National Radio Astronomy Observatory scientific staff, as a visiting scientist at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility and on the faculty of universities including the University of South Carolina and West Virginia University. In the late 1990s, Malphrus developed a theory of galaxy formation that has gained wide acceptance among the astronomical community and led to the discovery of a previously unknown galaxy, identified as NGC 5291-B, the first known galaxy proved to result from galaxy-galaxy interactions. He contributes to the body of research in interacting galaxies, radio astronomy instrumentation, and space systems design and operation.  

Malphrus is part of the 25th Enshrinement class into the Kentucky Aviation Hall of Fame. Also inducted into the Aviation Hall of Fame is MSU alumna Dr. Wilma “Willi” Walker. Last year, Walker and her family established the Walker Family Scholarship Endowment, a scholarship fund to benefit MSU students. For more information, visit moreheadstate.awardspring.com.   

Malphrus and Walker will be recognized at an official hall of fame induction ceremony to be held later this year.   

The Kentucky Aviation Hall of Fame has recognized honorees since 1996 for their contributions and achievements in aviation and aerospace. Those honored represent a wide range of military and civilian pilots, scientists, administrators and corporate leaders.  

For information about programs in space systems engineering at MSU, visit www.moreheadstate.edu/phes, email phes@moreheadstate.edu or call 606-783-2381.