Jul. 19—GRAND FORKS — NASA astronaut James Buchli will receive the North Dakota Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award in a ceremony later this month at UND.
Buchli will be the 49th recipient of the state’s highest commendation for its citizens, Gov. Doug Burgum announced.
Buchli, a New Rockford native, was the first North Dakotan in space, and is a veteran of four space flights, according to a release from the governor’s office. He has orbited earth 319 times, traveled 7.74 million miles and spent more than 20 days in space. He was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in 2019.
Prior to his career in space, he was a Marine Corps aviator. He has continued to frequently return to North Dakota and has worked with UND’s Space Studies program.
In a statement, Burgum called Buchli’s career a testament to perseverance, expertise and leadership.
“He flew on four space shuttle missions and participated in scientific experiments, satellite deployments and defense-related space operations of great importance to our country,” Burgum said in the release. “An exceptional North Dakotan, Buchli is a great supporter of the UND Aerospace program and shares his experience and skills with aspiring students. As the first person born in North Dakota to visit space, he’s an example of just how far a North Dakotan can go.”
Rough Rider awards recognize present and former North Dakotans who have achieved national recognition in their fields. It was established during the 1961 Dakota Territory Centennial.
The ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. July 30 in UND’s Robin Hall, 4275 University Ave. A reception will follow.
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