The Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA) has formally requested a one-time appropriation of $7.5 million from the state legislature to construct a hangar for the state’s first spaceplane. This facility will be built at the Oklahoma Air and Space Port in Burns Flat, with plans for construction to begin in the summer of 2024 if funding is approved.
In December 2023, the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics granted a $490,000 design contract for the hangar. The spaceplane, an unmanned aerial vehicle being developed in partnership with Dawn Aerospace, an international company based in New Zealand and the Netherlands, is expected to be operational by 2027. OSIDA anticipates that this spaceplane will provide flight services to universities, research institutions, and private companies, potentially generating annual revenue between $3 million and $5 million.
Economic Impact and Future Prospects
OSIDA’s CEO, Grayson Ardies, who also serves as the executive director of the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics, presented these plans to state representatives. He emphasized the potential economic benefits of the spaceplane project, stating that it could be a significant boon for the agency and a catalyst for growth within Oklahoma’s space industry. Ardies expressed optimism about reaching a point of self-sustainability for OSIDA, indicating that the agency has several prospective tenants interested in establishing operations at the spaceport.
“There will be a breakover point,” Ardies explained. “I have not even gotten into that forecasting potential, but there will come a point where OSIDA will become self-sustaining from an operational standpoint.” He further noted that OSIDA is currently considering additional private investments, estimating that successful recruitment could bring in between $100 million and $150 million in capital to the spaceport.
Engaging the Community and Future Generations
During discussions, Ardies referenced Jim Bridenstine, the former NASA administrator and current head of the Artemis Group, who has been advising OSIDA since its inception in 2024. According to Ardies, Bridenstine speaks about a “space renaissance” in the United States, underscoring the importance of developing a competitive presence in the space sector not only for commercial benefits but also for national defense.
State representative Jacob Rosecrants from Norman inquired about how lawmakers could further support Oklahoma’s space initiatives. Ardies responded by encouraging collaboration to promote awareness of local opportunities within the space industry. “You don’t have to go to NASA or Cape Canaveral to get engaged in the space industry,” he said.
He extended an invitation to Oklahomans to attend the spaceplane’s inaugural launch, highlighting the importance of community involvement in fostering interest in space careers. “I think the biggest thing that the average Oklahoman can do is make themselves aware of space and make their kids aware of the career opportunities available in space in Oklahoma,” Ardies concluded.
As Oklahoma positions itself as a player in the growing space industry, the establishment of the hangar and the anticipated arrival of the spaceplane could signify a transformative step forward for the state’s aerospace ambitions.
