November 13, 2024
The Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA) is set to meet to discuss critical advancements that could position western Oklahoma as a hub for space launches and unmanned aircraft systems. The authority’s agenda includes two major considerations, each marking a step toward bolstering Oklahoma’s aerospace capabilities.
Space Launch Study Proposal
OSIDA will consider contracting with the Aerospace Corporation for an inland launch study. This initiative, led by Director Smith, aims to explore the feasibility and specific requirements needed to launch spacecraft from Oklahoma. The Aerospace Corporation, with its established expertise in spaceport licensing, would conduct research to assess the potential for launch activities from OSIDA’s facilities in western Oklahoma.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Contract
Another item on the meeting’s agenda is a proposed partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) to support radar infrastructure and airspace management systems at Clinton-Sherman Airport, located in Burns Flat, Washita County. In collaboration with Vigilant Aerospace Systems, Inc., this contract would fund systems allowing beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations, a capability pivotal for unmanned aircraft system testing and operations. The contract, totaling $1.6 million for phase one, is state-funded by the ODAA, with OSIDA reimbursing the department.
These agenda items highlight OSIDA’s commitment to advancing Oklahoma’s role in the aerospace industry, from unmanned aircraft management to potential space launches in the future.
Copyright 2024 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
Santa’s Christmas Hero 2025 — John & Monica Beecham
Santa’s Christmas Heroes, John and Monica Beecham, are always finding ways to give back to the community they love.
Santa’s Christmas Hero 2025 — Shelby Unruh Woods
Santa’s Christmas Hero, Shelby Unruh Woods, truly embodies the joy and spirit of Santa through her constant service to others. She gives with such a caring and genuine heart that it inspires others to step in and help alongside her.
Santa’s Christmas Hero 2025 — Brandon Culver
Santa’s Christmas Hero, Brandon Culver, has one of the biggest hearts you will ever find. If he hears that someone is in need, he will stop whatever he is doing to help. He would truly give the shirt off his back without hesitation.
Santa’s Christmas Hero 2025 — Jon & Trina VanBuren
Santa’s Christmas Heroes, Jon and Trina VanBuren, are known for their generous hearts and constant dedication to helping those in need.
Beckham County Man Faces Multiple Felony Charges After Hospital Assaults
Elk City, OK – A Beckham County man is facing multiple charges after an incident at a local hospital escalated into assaults on medical staff and law enforcement, according to Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning. Sheriff Manning
Amazon Plans 30,000 Square Foot Delivery Station in Weatherford Industrial Park
Weatherford, OK – Plans are moving forward for a new Amazon delivery facility in Weatherford, a development local leaders say will strengthen the area’s economy and create new employment opportunities. The company will build a 30,000 square
Last Call for Christmas in the Park Activities This Saturday Night in Elk City
Elk City, OK – Christmas in the Park is winding down, and this Saturday night, December 20, is your last chance to enjoy all the weekend activities in Elk City’s Ackley Park. The Christmas light display will
Texas AG Sues Xcel Energy Over Wildfire That Reached Western Oklahoma
Austin, TX – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against Xcel Energy, alleging the utility’s negligence caused the 2024 Smokehouse Creek Fire, which burned more than one million acres in Texas and spread into
Elk City Celebrates Opening of New Airport Hangar and Terminal
Elk City, OK — City officials, state leaders, and community members gathered at the Elk City Municipal Airport today to celebrate the ribbon cutting of a new aircraft hangar and terminal building, marking a major milestone in
Two Injured in Late-Night Single-Vehicle Crash in Rural Custer County
Thomas, OK – A single vehicle injury collision was reported late Monday night in rural Custer County, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The crash occurred on December 15, 2025, at approximately 10:06 pm in a wheat
Santa’s Christmas Hero 2025 — Rose Werth
Santa’s Christmas Hero, Rose Werth has selflessly volunteered her time to run the food bank at St. Matthew Catholic Church for nearly 20 years.
Regional University System of Oklahoma Board of Regents Announces Resignation of SWOSU President Dr. Diana Lovell
Weatherford, OK – The Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) Board of Regents today announced that Dr. Diana Lovell has submitted her resignation as President of Southwestern Oklahoma State University, effective December 31, 2025. RUSO and SWOSU
Two Contraband Incidents Detected at Beckham County Jail
Sayre, OK – Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning says heightened security measures at the Beckham County Jail led to two separate contraband incidents being detected last week, preventing illegal items from entering the facility. Sheriff Manning said
Wellington Woman Placed on Probation in Childress County Theft Case
Childress County, TX – Three pleas were entered Monday, December 8, in the 100th Judicial District Court in Childress County. Luke Inman, District Attorney for the 100th Judicial District, along with Assistant District Attorney Harley Caudle, prosecuted
PSO Brings Free LED Light Bulbs to Local Food Pantries Across Western Oklahoma
Tulsa, OK – Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) is helping families in Western Oklahoma save energy and money through its Shine a Light Project, delivering free LED light bulbs to food pantries in communities including Elk
Santa’s Christmas Hero 2025 — Bob Carr
Santa’s Christmas Hero, Bob Carr is a hero to the Brownfield family because of his selfless kindness and willingness to help, time and time again.
Weatherford Bridge Project Earns Top Statewide Honor from Contractors Group
Oklahoma City, OK – The Oklahoma Transportation Commission’s Monday, Dec. 8 meeting opened with statewide recognition for a major western Oklahoma project, as the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s District 5 received one of the industry’s highest honors
Santa’s Christmas Hero 2025 – Abby Daniels
Santa’s Christmas Hero, Abby Daniels. She is selfless, compassionate, and driven to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.
Santa’s Christmas Hero 2025 – Ashley Meadows
Santa’s Christmas Hero, Ashley Meadows. She is the heart behind Dream League, a program that gives mentally and physically challenged athletes the chance to play baseball in a fun, welcoming environment. The joy on the players’ faces says it all.
Santa’s Christmas Hero 2025 – Kole Sander
Santa’s Christmas Hero, Kole Sander. He serves as an Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper and is known for his dedication and work ethic. He puts in long hours and makes daily sacrifices to keep Oklahomans safe.
Elk City Man Charged After Investigators Say He Sold Trafficking Amounts of Fentanyl-Laced Pills
Elk City, OK – A man living in Elk City is facing a felony drug trafficking charge after a controlled purchase at his home led to the discovery of pills containing a fentanyl precursor and methamphetamine, according
Washita County Sheriff’s Office Receives Grant for Speed Reduction and High-Visibility Enforcement Campaign
Cordell, OK – The Washita County Sheriff’s Office has received a National Highway Safety Grant to support a speed reduction awareness and high-visibility enforcement campaign aimed at reducing speeding-related crashes. Through the “Speeding Slows You Down” initiative,
Oklahoma Approves Construction of Specialized Hangar for Dawn Aerospace Spaceplane at Burns Flat
Burns Flat, OK – Oklahoma’s commission responsible for advancing the state’s space industry finalized a deal this week to construct a hangar for a $17 million spaceplane. The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics Commission approved construction
NTSB Releases Preliminary Report on Weatherford Ammonia Leak
Weatherford, OK – The National Transportation Safety Board has released its preliminary findings on the anhydrous ammonia leak that struck Weatherford on the night of November 12, an incident that injured dozens, forced large evacuations, and has
Arrest Made After Online Predator Investigation in Elk City
Elk City, OK – Elk City Police arrested a man following an online predator investigation that began December 6 at a convenience store on the east side of the city. Officers were notified about an adult male,
