Oklahoma City, OK – Oklahoma is positioning itself as a leader in the space industry with the recent signing of Senate Bill 912. This legislation integrates the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA) into the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA), aiming to streamline efforts in aerospace and aviation.
The state has invested in advanced air mobility infrastructure at the spaceport. ODAA has contracted with Vigilant Aerospace to deploy the FlightHorizon system, enhancing the facility's capabilities in monitoring and managing uncrewed aircraft systems.
A key component of this initiative is the Oklahoma Air & Space Port located in Burns Flat. This facility, managed by OSIDA, is one of only 14 FAA-licensed spaceports in the United States. It features a 13,503-foot runway, making it suitable for various aerospace operations.
The spaceport has attracted international attention, notably from Netherlands-based Dawn Aerospace, which plans to use Burns Flat as its U.S. base for testing the Mk-II Aurora spaceplane. This vehicle is designed for suborbital flights and can operate from conventional runways.
These developments underscore Oklahoma's commitment to becoming a hub for aerospace innovation, with Burns Flat at the forefront of this transformation.
Sources: SB912, OK Energy Today, Airport Technology
