SDA launches low-earth orbit satellites

Hoeven staff photo

A SpaceX Transporter-2 rocketed into space Wednesday carrying 88 satellites into orbit.

The launch included five Space Development Agency satellites – including two from General Atomics – an anchor tenant at Grand Sky Technology Park west of Grand Forks.   They will be used to develop laser communication systems enabling low-Earth orbit satellites to communicate with unmanned aerial systems.

U.S. Senator John Hoeven was at Cape Canaveral this week with SDA Director Derek Tournear and SpaceX Senior Director Gary Henry to review the preparations leading-up to the launch of the satellites. The launch itself was postponed Tuesday only seconds from launch due to a plane entering the airspace.

Hoeven says the satellites are a key part of ensuring that the U.S. wins the race in space and an important aspect to develop future operations in North Dakota.