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GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Leaders from America’s space discovery ecosystem joined astronauts, Space Development Agency (SDA) officials, and interested students at the University of North Dakota’s (UND) Space Operations Summit. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) welcomed Rocket Lab USA President Brad Clevenger to the symposium. They discussed how today’s rapidly evolving private space industry is merging with the existing policy and government framework created during the space race more than 50 years ago.
Cramer invited Clevenger to discuss his experience in the commercial space sector, advancements in satellite technology, and share his thoughts on the expanding role of private industry in both space exploration and national security. He covered what this means for policymakers, business owners, and the industry’s future workforce.
“Space touches every aspect of our lives, from GPS to banking to improving our quality of life,” said Cramer. “It’s become a warfighting domain for us, one we must defend. Our ecosystem enables us to protect the space domain. We’ve got a great talent pool in the region, but we also have President Andy Armacost, who is nimble, and Robert Kraus, Dean of the School of Aerospace Sciences, who understands the vision. They work with our government partners and private companies to improve our capabilities quickly to meet the changing needs in space.”
The discussion comes as Rocket Lab announced plans to acquire Iridium Communications, a leading global provider of satellite communications and positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services. The proposed acquisition underscores the growing importance of commercial satellite capabilities and the expanding role of private companies in the global space industry.
Iridium has an established presence in North Dakota, employing dozens of highly skilled workers at Grand Forks Air Force Base, home to SDA’s Operations Center North and its Technology Acceleration Center. These facilities support operations for SDA’s low-Earth-orbit missions.
Clevenger leads Rocket Lab’s Space Systems segment, overseeing its satellite and satellite component businesses. Before joining Rocket Lab, he held executive leadership positions at SolAero Technologies and EMCORE Corporation. Over his two decades in the industry, he has contributed to more than 250 satellite missions and the deployment of more than 1,100 satellites. Under his leadership, the business grew into a global leader in satellite solar power technology.
