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 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.
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, low-cost 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 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.”
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.
Other elected officials praised the agreement including Senator 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.”
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