U of M team launches new Minnesota state flag into space

The new Minnesota state flag reached new heights this week when it was launched into space.

On Wednesday, a team from the University of Minnesota’s mechanical engineering and aerospace engineering departments launched the flag into orbit as part of a research project.

The materials were launched from Montgomery, Minnesota and recovered later that same day, according to mechanical engineering professor Ognjen Ilic.

The flag, which was officially adopted along with a new state seal in May, was flown in space along with the U.S. and University of Minnesota flags.

The chosen design of Minnesota's new state flag was the work of Andrew Prekker , of Luverne, Minnesota, after more than 2,000 submissions were received by the commission to replace the state flag.