EMERADO, N.D. — A new, first-of-its-kind command center will be integral to coordinating beyond-visual-line-of-sight for North Dakota’s unmanned aircraft system.

Vantis, North Dakota’s statewide unmanned aircraft BVLOS system, held the grand opening of its Mission and Network Operations Center (MNOC) on Thursday at GrandSky Business and Aviation Park, just outside of Grand Forks. As the command center of the entire network, the center will be crucial to coordinating flights and ensuring safety for UAS flights.

Gov. Doug Burgum, who spoke during the ceremony, said the operations center is an example of how North Dakota invests in technology to “create opportunities for citizens and businesses and diversify our economy.”