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 located at the Oklahoma Air and Space Port in Burns Flat and is expected to facilitate the operation of an unmanned aerial vehicle still in development.
The request comes as Oklahoma prepares for the 2027 fiscal year. In December, the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics approved a design contract valued at $490,000 for the hangar’s construction. If approved, construction could commence in the summer of 2024, setting the stage for the state to take possession of the spaceplane that year.
Earlier in 2023, OSIDA entered into an agreement with Dawn Aerospace, an international company with headquarters in New Zealand and the Netherlands, to acquire the spaceplane. Once operational, the vehicle will provide flights for universities, research centers, and businesses, creating significant opportunities within the state’s growing space sector.
Grayson Ardies, CEO of OSIDA and executive director of the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics, addressed state representatives on Monday, highlighting the potential economic benefits of the spaceplane. He estimated that it could generate annual revenue between $3 million and $5 million. As Oklahoma’s space industry continues to develop sub-orbital flight capabilities, OSIDA is actively seeking more tenants to join the facility in Burns Flat.
Ardies emphasized the long-term vision for the agency, stating, “There will be a breakover point,” referring to the threshold at which OSIDA could achieve self-sufficiency. He noted that the agency already has plans to attract additional investment, stating, “If all those come to pass, we’re looking at another $100 million to $150 million in private capital that will be going into the spaceport alone.”
In discussing the future of Oklahoma’s space industry, Ardies mentioned the support from Jim Bridenstine, the former NASA administrator and current head of the Artemis Group, a strategic consulting firm assisting OSIDA since its launch in 2024. Ardies quoted Bridenstine, saying, “This ‘space renaissance’…isn’t just for commercial use. This is a critical defense requirement.”
During the meeting, Representative Jacob Rosecrants of Norman asked how lawmakers could further support the development of Oklahoma’s space industry. In response, Ardies highlighted the importance of engaging young people in the field, stating, “You don’t have to go to NASA or Cape Canaveral to get involved in the space industry.”
Ardies encouraged Oklahomans to become more aware of the opportunities within the state’s burgeoning space sector and invited them to attend the spaceplane’s inaugural launch. He concluded, “Making our youth aware of the career opportunities available in space in Oklahoma is crucial for our future.”
As Oklahoma positions itself as a player in the global space industry, the proposed hangar could serve as a catalyst for innovation and economic growth in the region.
