Reusable space plane coming to Oklahoma SpacePort in 2027

Oklahoma has recruited a New Zealand aerospace company to base a space plane at the Oklahoma Air and SpacePort in 2027.

The company, Dawn Aerospace, operates a reusable space plane that can launch from the 13,500' runway in Burns Flat and ferry small payloads to the edge of space, returning after 3-4 minutes of micro-gravity. The space plane, named "Aurora" is remotely piloted, and able to carry a 10 lb, payload. It launches horizontally but accelerates to altitude nearly vertically, and returns as a glider to land on the same runway.

Former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, now a space industry consultant with Artemis Group, said "This is a test vehicle for a whole host of microgravity opportunities and we're really excited it's going to be in Oklahoma."

Dawn Aerospace markets the capability to customers as a less expensive option to alternative launch platforms, with a much faster turnaround time. Dawn has already successfully launched the 16' long "Aurora" space plane twice in the same day, achieving supersonic speeds and reaching 82,000 feet.

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Oklahoma's Air and SpacePort was licensed 20 years ago, but this will be the first tenant planning regular launches.

Dr. Brenda Rolls, the Chair of the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority, said she expects other companies to consider the SpacePort once Dawn is operating there, and believes the new tenant opens up research opportunities for Oklahoma colleges. "Now we're going to be partnering with research institutions, pharmaceutical industries, and materials research. There will be a variety of research industries that will be interested in utilizing this microgravity opportunity."

The company was recruited to Oklahoma by Tulsa-based Artemis Group, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority.