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NASA astronaut James Buchli to receive Rough Rider Award later this month at UND

July 19 – GRAND FORKS – NASA astronaut James Buchli will receive the North Dakota Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award during a ceremony at UND later this month.

Buchli is the 49th recipient of the state’s highest honor for its citizens, the governor said. Doug Burgum announced.

Buchli, a native of New Rockford, was the first North Dakotan in space and is a veteran of four space flights, according to a news release from the governor’s office. He has orbited the 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.

Before his career in space, he was a pilot in the Marine Corps. He has returned to North Dakota frequently and has worked with UND’s Space Studies program.

Burgum called Buchli’s career a testament to perseverance, expertise and leadership in a statement.

“He has flown on four space shuttle missions and has participated in scientific experiments, satellite deployments and defense-related space operations of great importance to our country,” Burgum said in the release. “As an exceptional North Dakotan, Buchli is a strong supporter of the UND Aerospace program and shares his experience and skills with aspiring students. As the first person born in North Dakota to travel to space, he is an example of how far a North Dakotan can go.”

Rough Rider awards recognize current and former North Dakotans who have achieved national recognition in their field. It was established during the Dakota Territory Centennial in 1961.

The ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. July 30 in UND’s Robin Hall, 4275 University Ave. A reception will follow.