Thu, Nov 16th, 2023 - 1:47pm
September 04, 2019 - 4:03pm | By Chris Larson
U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Administrator Jim Bridenstine toured the University of North Dakota (UND) Space Program today.
“It is an honor to host Jim during his visit North Dakota today,” said Senator Cramer. “He and I are longtime friends who served in the House together, and I am grateful for his time and for the opportunity to introduce him to UND aerospace students.”
“We need all the support we can get at NASA, and Senator Cramer has been a great supporter and advocate,” said Administrator Bridenstine. “NASA is grateful for the service of this university and we are grateful for the support of Senator Cramer.”
Cramer and Bridenstine began the day meeting with leaders of UND’s aerospace program to discuss their partnership with NASA. UND is one of the few universities in the world to offer human spaceflight training and is the first university to operate a NASA-funded laboratory dedicated to designing and constructing space-exploration and planetary surface exploration suits. Administrator Bridenstine called it “one of the best aerospace schools on the planet.”
Next, the Senator and Administrator participated in a walking tour of the UND Space Program. Guided by Professor Pablo de Leon, they explored the one-of-a-kind Mars Lunar Habitat, which is conducted and funded in collaboration with NASA. The Mars Habitat confines crews of three for as long as 14 days, allowing them to conduct experiments and collect data.
“North Dakota is paving the way in space technology and exploration,” Senator Cramer said of the facilities. “These students are getting the best education and training right here.”
After that, Cramer and Bridenstine participated in a walking tour of the Human Space Flight Lab and the Atmospheric Chamber before participating in a town hall with UND Space Program students. They spoke about the celebration of Apollo 11, exploration to Mars and beyond, developing a Space Force, and receiving proper funding to continue advancements in this field. Those wishing to watch the town hall can do so here.
“I am optimistic about our future in their capable hands,” Senator Cramer said of the students.
