Central ND News

BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator John Hoeven, in collaboration with Bismarck State College (BSC) President Dr. Douglas Jensen and BlueHalo leaders, unveiled a groundbreaking research project aimed at advancing hypersonic missile testing and fostering opportunities for students to enter high-tech defense industry careers in North Dakota.

Senator Hoeven, a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, secured $8.3 million for the Space-based Telemetry Phased Array Antenna Systems (STAPS) project. This initiative establishes a new partnership between BSC and BlueHalo, enhancing the Test Resource Management Center’s (TRMC) Sky Range program at Grand Sky.

Hoeven emphasized the significance of this investment, stating, “This $8.3 million lays the foundation for a new partnership, benefiting students and businesses in Bismarck, while enhancing the Sky Range mission in Grand Forks. But more than that, this is about the future of our nation’s defense, staying ahead of our adversaries and North Dakota’s growing role in such essential missions.”

James Batt, BlueHalo Chief Growth Officer, highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership, stating, “The partnership announced today marks the beginning of an entire defense technology ecosystem we are building with Bismarck State College in central North Dakota and continues BlueHalo’s work to develop generationally important technologies in support of the mission.”

Dr. Douglas Jensen, BSC President, expressed gratitude for the collaboration, saying, “When we embarked on our journey to add an 88,000-square-foot Polytechnic Advanced Technology Center to the Bismarck State College campus, we envisioned a strong industry partnership to help our students develop the real-world experience and skills needed to excel in today’s workforce.”

The project involves developing space-based arrays for Sky Range, with BlueHalo adapting its technology to enhance hypersonic missile testing capabilities. Students at BSC will have the opportunity to work on advanced phased array systems, preparing them for high-paying careers in the defense industry.

Senator Hoeven is actively supporting the advancement of the Sky Range complex, which aims to revolutionize hypersonic missile testing by replacing traditional methods with more efficient and secure unmanned aircraft techniques.

Hoeven's efforts underscore North Dakota's growing role in national defense, with over $100 million secured for defense research and development across the state in the FY24 funding bills. The initiative aligns with Hoeven's commitment to modernizing defense infrastructure and ensuring the state's pivotal role in addressing critical national security priorities.