The expanding defense and space ecosystem in Grand Forks drew national attention this week as Vice Chief of Space Operations Gen. Shawn Bratton visited the Space Development Agency’s Operations Center, underscoring the region’s growing role in U.S. space and defense strategy.The visit followed an announcement by U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., outlining plans for a $250 million Space Operations Center to be built at Grand Forks Air Force Base. Bratton toured the base with Cramer, discussing how the planned facility fits into President Trump’s proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget and the Space Force’s long-term operational needs.The new operations center is expected to serve as the backbone of the Space Development Agency’s next-generation capabilities, supporting global force protection while strengthening national security. It is one of several major defense-related investments Cramer has helped secure for the region.“Grand Forks is a powerhouse for America’s space mission,” Cramer said. He added that the new Space Operations Center will anchor the Space Development Agency in Grand Forks and provide state-of-the-art infrastructure to support deployment of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.Gen. Bratton, the Space Force’s second-highest-ranking officer, oversees strategy, requirements and global operations. His visit comes at a pivotal time as the Pentagon places increased emphasis on space superiority and resilient satellite systems.Cramer has previously discussed Space Force training infrastructure needs with Bratton, including the potential requirement for a dedicated base to accommodate approximately 3,000 students and modernization efforts at Cavalier Space Force Station’s Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System.The senator has made elevating North Dakota’s role in national security a long-term priority, hosting numerous senior military leaders in the state over the past several years. Those visits have included top Air Force and Space Force leadership, reinforcing Grand Forks’ strategic importance within the U.S. defense enterprise.Through its partnership with the Space Development Agency, Grand Forks Air Force Base now plays a central role in operating the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture’s low Earth orbit satellite constellation. In 2024, the Space Development Agency’s Operations Center North at the base became operational, further cementing the region’s role in space operations.Cramer also played a key role in establishing the U.S. Space Force, helping craft language in the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act that created the service. He later became co-chair of the Senate Space Force Caucus and has continued shaping space policy through subsequent defense legislation.

2026-04-27 - Space force leader visits Grand Forks as $250M Operations Center Planned (UAS Magazine)

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Vice Chief of Space Operations Gen. Shawn Bratton visited Grand Forks Air Force Base as plans move forward for a $250 million Space Operations Center, highlighting the region’s growing importance in U.S. space and defense strategy.

Space force leader visits Grand Forks as $250M Operations Center Planned

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