Why Are Elon Musk & Kevin O'Leary Eyeing North Dakota?

In this episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead sits down with veteran radio personality and aerospace advocate Scott Hennen at the Hive in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Together, they explore the surprising rise of the region’s aerospace ecosystem—from the University of North Dakota’s forward-looking Center for Aerospace Sciences to Grand Sky’s innovation hub and the strategic synergies with Grand Forks Air Force Base. Scott shares his personal journey in media, the political leadership that’s fueled local growth, and why North Dakota may be poised to lead America’s next aerospace frontier. Episode Highlights A deep dive into Grand Forks’ transformation into a global aerospace testbed How UND’s early investment in aviation education set the stage for Grand Sky The crucial role of state leadership—Governors Hoeven and Burgum, Senators Cramer and Hoeven—in accelerating innovation Private-public partnerships: from Northrop Grumman to Kevin O’Leary’s capital influx The strategic importance of the Grand Forks Air Force Base and Space Force proximity Scott’s personal reflections on a 40-year radio career and his favorite broadcast moments Key Points with Time Stamps [00:00:00] Scott on the “ingenuity” happening in Grand Forks and early nod to Kevin O’Leary’s role [00:01:30] Scott recounts launching his first talk show in North Dakota in 1986 [00:03:00] The “Clifford Years” and founding of UND’s College of Aerospace Sciences [00:04:04] UND’s Citation jet program as a visionary step toward global pilot training [00:06:42] From UND foundation to nimble private-sector partnerships—how Grand Sky was born [00:08:04] Stabilizing the Grand Forks Air Force Base and its evolution into the 319th Reconnaissance Wing headquarters [00:10:44] Space Force’s independent status and its R&D synergy just north of Grand Forks [00:12:31] Futurist outlook: why Grand Forks could outpace traditional hubs like California or Texas [00:15:28] Scott reflec...