NORTH DAKOTA ( KXNET ) — NASA astronaut James Buchli has been selected as the 49th recipient of the North Dakota Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award.

According to a news release, the Rough Rider Award is the state’s highest commendation for its citizens.

A ceremony will be held to present him with the award at 10 a.m. on July 30 in Robin Hall at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. A reception will take place afterward.

In 2019, Buchli was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. He was the first North Dakotan to fly in space and has been on four space flights — orbiting the Earth 319 times, traveling 7.74 million miles, and spending over 20 days in space.

He frequently visits North Dakota and engages with UND’s Space Studies program.

Governor Burgum said that Buchli’s 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.”

A portrait of Buchli will be displayed on the ground floor of the State Capitol in the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Hall of Fame.

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