University of ND aerospace school plans new building

Grand Forks, N.D. – The University of North Dakota aerospace school intends to break ground this spring on a new building, with the goal of attracting businesses that want to be part of the university’s growing aerospace research and development conglomerate.

 

Forum News Service reports that some of the new space will provide a secure area for research into unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and other projects that need security, according to state documents. Other space will house research facilities for air traffic control, Smith said.

 

Most of the cost for the proposed 65,000ft² Center for Aerospace Innovation and Research will be privately raised, according to a UND official.

 

Ownership of the building will be under the UND Aerospace Foundation, a private nonprofit group. Operating costs will be paid by the university using existing funds and any funds raised through research activities in the building.

 

The report also notes UND’s UAS research program can also look forward to development of the Grand Sky UAS technology park at Grand Forks Air Force Base and the state’s recent designation as a federal test site for unmanned aircraft.