It was the mid-twentieth century. Two global powers were competing for what was once considered the final frontier, space. The United States and the Soviet Union were racing one another to not only conquer space travel but to stake their claim on the moon. And believe it or not, a Northfield company, Sheldahl, had a hand in the US achieving that goal of planting its flag on the surface of the moon first. Thanks to Sheldahl, the first early communication from space was achievable. 

Image Credit: Google Maps
Image Credit: Google Maps
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Sheldahl has had a hand in space technology since 1960 according to their website. Sheldahl initially had a hand in the creation of ECHO I and II, which were passive satellites that reflected microwaves from one point back onto Earth to a satellite receiver.

The company also had a hand in other satellites that NASA launched in 1964 and 1965, Pegasus, Pageos 5 a 100-ft diameter satelloon, and Sheldahl participated in the Voyager program.

TPT's Almanac featured the business last Friday night as part of their 'One Greater MN' series. Check it out below.

Pretty awesome that there is some space race history right in our own backyards.

Sheldahl now primarily focuses on according to their website "reliable, flexible and printed electronics."

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