UND and Voyager Launch Multi‑Decade Partnership to Advance Space, AI and National Security

Dec. 8 — The University of North Dakota (UND) and Voyager Technologies signed a memorandum of understanding in Washington, D.C., launching a multi‑decade partnership to advance research, education and workforce development in space, artificial intelligence and national security.

Partnership Overview

The agreement was signed by UND President Andrew Armacost and Voyager president and co‑founder Matt Kuta at a ceremony hosted by Sen. Kevin Cramer. Leaders described the collaboration as building on the region's existing innovation ecosystem, which includes Grand Forks Air Force Base and the GrandSky campus.

Research Priorities

UND highlighted institutional strengths in human spaceflight systems, spacesuit design and manufacturing, space agriculture, space operations, domain awareness and satellite design. These capabilities align with Voyager's initiatives, including the proposed Starlab space station and a planned science park focused on in‑space research.

Benefits For Students And The Region

The partnership is expected to create tangible student opportunities — capstone projects, internships and potential employment pathways — that connect UND academic programs with industry needs. Armacost emphasized the university's commitment to student learning and how industry collaboration accelerates practical training and job readiness.

"One relationship just adds to another, where pretty soon one plus one equals more than two," said Sen. Kevin Cramer, describing how local and national assets can multiply their impact when linked.

National Security And Joint Facilities

Voyager and UND leaders noted potential collaboration with the Space Development Agency (SDA). Grand Forks Air Force Base has been selected as one of the SDA's operations centers, and discussions are underway about possible joint facilities to support national security work.

Cramer also pointed to UND's law and medical schools as complementary assets, citing growing expertise in space law and life sciences that can support regulatory, policy and medical research related to space and defense projects.

The memorandum establishes a framework for sustained collaboration across education, research and industry. Leaders described it as the start of a long‑term, multi‑decade relationship intended to strengthen UND's role in space‑related disciplines while supporting Voyager's development projects and regional economic growth.