OSIDA Press Release
Burns Flat, OK – The Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA) is proud to announce an innovative partnership with Dawn Aerospace that will bring the company’s revolutionary Aurora spaceplane to the Oklahoma Air and Space Port. The agreement will establish Oklahoma as a premier U.S. launch site for microgravity research and suborbital spaceflight, with operations beginning in 2027.
“Oklahoma is positioned to be at the forefront of the next space frontier and a hub for national defense,” said Oklahoma Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell. “With targeted investment, the state is moving to secure frequent and reliable space access and is set to become America’s busiest suborbital launch site. Launching from Burns Flat will unlock a new class of microgravity research, national security applications, and commercial innovation.”
“This is a pivotal moment for Oklahoma,” said Brenda Rolls, Chairwoman of OSIDA. “Welcoming the Aurora spaceplane to Burns Flat is not just about a new aircraft — it’s about opening the skies above Oklahoma to daily space access. This partnership will generate economic growth, educational opportunities, and scientific advancement for decades to come.”
The Mk-II Aurora is a rocket-powered, remotely piloted aircraft capable of reaching 100 km altitude — the edge of space — twice in a single day. Its rapid reuse capability will enable frequent, affordable access to microgravity, benefiting researchers, commercial innovators, and Oklahoma’s academic institutions.
Microgravity environments are vital for advancing science and technology in ways not possible on Earth. By eliminating the effects of gravity, researchers can study fundamental physical and biological processes with new clarity—driving discoveries in areas such as cancer research, tissue regeneration, fluid dynamics, and advanced materials. Frequent, low-cost access to microgravity opens the door to transformative breakthroughs with real-world impact.
“This partnership is the result of years of effort and vision,” said Representative Anthony Moore (R-Clinton). “We are thrilled to see our state’s investment in space infrastructure paying off. This cements Oklahoma’s place as a leader in the future of aerospace and defense.”
Under the agreement, Dawn Aerospace will base its US operations of Aurora at the Oklahoma Air and Space Port in Burns Flat, bringing new jobs, infrastructure investment, and opportunities for first-year free flight access for Oklahoma universities.
About OSIDA:
The Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA) is a state agency dedicated to promoting Oklahoma’s space-related capabilities and attracting aerospace and space industry companies to the state. OSIDA manages the Oklahoma Air & Space Port and Industrial Park, located at Clinton-Sherman Airport (CSM) in Burns Flat. This state-owned general aviation airport features the fourth-largest concrete civilian runway in North America and was granted an FAA horizontal launch spaceport license in 2006.
Today, only 14 FAA-licensed spaceports operate across ten states, and Oklahoma’s was the first to be established inland in a landlocked state. OSIDA continues to play a leading role in advancing the state’s aerospace ambitions and fostering the growth of space-focused industries in Oklahoma.
About Dawn Aerospace:
Dawn Aerospace is a space transportation company building Aurora — the fastest, highest-flying aircraft ever to take off from a runway. Now available for payload flights, Aurora offers low-cost, high-frequency access to suborbital space. Early customers include Scout Space, Johns Hopkins University, Cal Poly, and Arizona State University.
Alongside Aurora, Dawn is a leading supplier of green satellite propulsion, with its systems flying on 26 operational spacecraft.
Founded in 2017, Dawn Aerospace employs over 120 people across offices in the United States, New Zealand, and Europe.
