The Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority formally announced Thursday an agreement of a partnership with the European- based Dawn Aerospace to bring the company’s revolutionary Aurora spaceplane to the Oklahoma Air and Space Port at Burns Flat.
The OSIDA stated the deal will make Oklahoma 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 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.
As part of the agreement, Dawn will deliver and operate Aurora at the Oklahoma Air and Space Port. The Aurora is scheduled for delivery in 2027, with flights to space commencing that same year.
“Our mission is to push the boundaries of aviation all the way to space, and Oklahoma is a perfect place in the United States to make that happen,” said Stefan Powell, CEO and founder of Dawn Aerospace. “By developing a rapidly reusable aircraft, we’re bringing the efficiency of aviation to spaceflight— dramatically increasing flight frequency, cutting costs, and accelerating breakthroughs in science and space research that deliver critical insights and services for a better future.”
A rocket-powered, remote- piloted aircraft, the Aurora is designed to carry payloads of up to 11 lbs. (5kg) to altitudes of 330,000 feet (100 km). With a rapid turnaround time of just four hours, it would be the first aircraft to reach above the Karman line twice in one day. This cutting-edge capability at the Oklahoma Spaceport builds on OSIDA’s decades-long commitment to aerospace innovation and economic growth since its founding in 1999. With this new era of spaceflight, the spaceport is set to become one of America’s busiest suborbital launch sites, solidifying its role as a hub for microgravity research, atmospheric studies, and satellite technology testing.
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, lowcost access to microgravity opens the door to transformative breakthroughs with real-world impact.
Under the terms of the agreement, Dawn will supply the aircraft, ground control station and an operations team. Flights on Aurora are expected to cost, on average, low hundreds of thousands of dollars per flight. Campaigns of multiple flights will redefine the landscape of space launch and enable researchers to conduct experiments in rapid succession, accelerating scientific progress while keeping costs low.
Oklahoma colleges and universities will have free access to the aircraft for research purposes for the first year of operations.
Reaching an altitude of 82,500 ft and achieving Mach 1.12, Aurora set a new benchmark for the fastest ‘time to altitude’ for an aircraft, surpassing a record held by the modified F-15 Streak Eagle set in 1975.
The Aurora’s development will continue through 2027, with manufacturing and flight testing conducted at Dawn’s R&D facilities in Christchurch, New Zealand.
“This partnership is the result of years of effort and vision,” said Rep. 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.”
The Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority 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.
Other elected officials praised the agreement including Sen. Brent Howard of Altus.
“With pioneers like Gen. Tom Stafford, we have blazed the way into that new frontier. This current collaboration between our state, Dawn Aerospace, and many others who strive to keep us at the forefront of exploration will ensure Burns Flat and OSIDA continue to lead in the next generation of space development.”
Elk City Rep. Nick Archer said it marks a bold step forward for Oklahoma.
“The microgravity research enabled by this spacecraft will help unlock breakthroughs in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology—advancing medicine, creating jobs, and cementing our place in the future of aerospace.”
Kingfisher Sen. Darcy Jech called it a significant milestone for Oklahoma’s future in space exploration and innovation.
“Dawn Aerospace’s operations in Burns Flat will create lasting economic benefits for our rural communities and further solidify Oklahoma’s role as a national leader in aerospace industries.”