University of North Dakota Expands Role in Space Operations and National Security
The University of North Dakota (UND) is significantly increasing its contributions to space operations and national security, as highlighted during its third annual Space Operations Summit. The event, held November 4-5, brought together leaders from NASA, the U.S. Space Force, defense organizations, industry, and academia. Discussions covered a range of topics including satellite communications, hypersonic technology, and lunar exploration. UND President Andrew Armacost emphasized the university's growing work in areas such as space situational awareness, advanced materials, and laser communications with satellites. U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer and Rocket Lab's President of National Security, Brad Clevenger, noted Grand Forks' emergence as a hub for a thriving space economy, citing UND's research, the Space Development Agency, and Grand Forks Air Force Base. The summit showcased UND's optical ground station, which uses laser-based communications for spacecraft data exchange, and the ROADS satellite mission, allo...
