MEDIA ADVISORY: 3M to host UND stratospheric research symposium
Third annual conference brings international researchers to Minnesota to discuss operationalizing the stratosphere
Who: Atmospheric scholars, applied scientists and leading industry members working to operationalize the stratosphere
What: University of North Dakota Stratospheric Operations and Research Symposium (SOaRS)
When: April 24-25
Where: 3M Innovation Center, 2350 Minnehaha Avenue E, Maplewood, Minn., 55119-3835
Background: Now in its third year, the University of North Dakota Stratospheric Operations and Research Symposium (SOaRS), is again set to gather research and applied scientists and industry members together, to discuss efforts to operationalize the stratosphere.
Join more than 20 distinguished speakers for keynote addresses, discussion sessions and networking events as participants work to drive development in High-Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) and High-Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS) platforms.
“SOaRS unites a number of areas that are key to UND’s research efforts, including space, autonomous aerial systems and national security,” said Scott Snyder, vice president for research and Economic Development at UND. “The symposium pulls together global experts in these fields and more to inform and develop partnerships in stratospheric operations and research.”
Eric Forbes, vice president of Aerospace and Defense at 3M, agrees.
“3M is excited to host the symposium, bringing together world-class experts to identify solutions that will continue to enhance capabilities across this rapidly developing segment,” he said.
Robert Kraus, dean of the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences encouraged people interested in HAPS and HALE platforms and Uncrewed Aircraft Vehicles to attend, to learn about the latest developments in stratospheric research and technology.
“The University of North Dakota has a long history of conducting atmospheric science research and continues to operate and test uncrewed aerial systems throughout the stratosphere,” Kraus said. “SOaRS provides a valuable opportunity for operators, government regulators, and industry innovators to gather and share their discoveries.”
Topics at the symposium will include:
- Challenges and Opportunities of Stratospheric Operations
- Current and Proposed HALE/HAPS aircraft and balloons
- Communication and Sensor Technologies
- Power Sources for Propulsion and Payloads
- Airspace Approvals and Traffic Management
Sponsors, many of whom will be speaking at the event, include leading researchers from UND, 3M, AALTO, Aerostar, Amprius, MicroLink Devices, Inc. and Packet Digital.
Other distinguished speakers include researchers from Honeywell Aerospace, NASA, Northrop Grumman, NTT, USCENTCOM and Volitude, among several others.
The symposium schedule, registration information and transportation and hotel information can be found on the SOaRS website.
Media contact: Adam Kurtz, adam.kurtz.1@UND.edu
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