(Bismarck, ND) — Governor Burgum has selected a North Dakota native and NASA astronaut to be the 49th recipient of the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award.
James Buchli of New Rockford is the first North Dakotan to travel to outer space, and he’s been on four space flights. He’s also orbited Earth 139 times, traveled 7.74-million miles, and spent more than 20 days in space throughout his career.
“Jim Buchli’s distinguished career is a testament to perseverance, expertise and leadership. He flew on four space shuttle missions and participated in scientific experiments, satellite deployments and defense-related space operations of great importance to our country,” said Burgum. “An exceptional North Dakotan, Buchli is a great supporter of the UND Aerospace program and shares his experience and skills with aspiring students. As the first person born in North Dakota to visit space, he’s an example of just how far a North Dakotan can go.”
Buchli is a Marine Corps veteran and is also a U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame inductee. He will receive the award later this year.
