The highest velocity neutron stars establish stringent constraints on natal kicks , asymmetries in supernova core collapse , and the evolution of close binary systems .
Here we present the first results of a long-term pulsar astrometry program using the VLBA .
We measure a proper motion and parallax for the pulsar B1508+55 , leading to model-independent estimates of its distance ( 2.37 ^ { +0.23 } _ { -0.20 }  kpc ) and transverse velocity ( 1083 ^ { +103 } _ { -90 }  km s ^ { -1 } ) , the highest velocity directly measured for a neutron star .
We trace the pulsar back from its present Galactic latitude of 52.3° to a birth site in the Galactic plane near the Cyg OB associations , and find that it will inevitably escape the Galaxy .
Binary disruption alone is insufficient to impart the required birth velocity , and a natal kick is indicated .
A composite scenario including a large kick along with binary disruption can plausibly account for the high velocity .