Preparations are under way at the Oklahoma Air and Space Port ahead of a high-profile visit from New Zealand-based spaceplane manufacturer Dawn Aerospace, as the state positions itself to play a leading role in the rapidly growing global aerospace sector.
The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) and the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA) will welcome engineers from the company during the week of 10–15 November 2025. The visit forms part of an ongoing collaboration to develop suborbital flight and research operations at the Burns Flat facility — one of only 14 FAA-licensed spaceports in the United States.
A media day has been scheduled for Wednesday, 12 November, featuring a community briefing at 10:30 a.m., followed by an open media Q&A at 2:00 p.m. in the large conference room at the Oklahoma Air and Space Port. Private interviews will be available by appointment from 3:30 p.m., with bookings handled via [email protected]. A second media opportunity will take place at the Oklahoma State Capitol on Thursday, 13 November, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. in Room 206.
“The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics and the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority will welcome Dawn Aerospace to Oklahoma during the week of November 10–15, 2025, to the Oklahoma Air and Space Port and the Oklahoma State Capitol. The ODAA and OSIDA have set aside a time on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, for the media to visit the spaceport and have a brief Q&A with the New Zealand company. Private interviews may be set by appointment.”
A Milestone Visit for Oklahoma’s Space Ambitions
The visit marks a key step for Oklahoma’s ambitions to become a hub for space technology development and testing. According to organisers, Dawn Aerospace engineers will share insights about their aircraft and mission, while working alongside Oklahoma counterparts on final design elements.
“Dawn Aerospace engineers will arrive this week from New Zealand to share insights about their aircraft and mission at the Oklahoma Air and Space Port and to work on final designs. Organizers of their visit will create a warm and productive environment by hosting them at the Burns Flat spaceport and the Oklahoma State Capitol.”
While in the state, Dawn Aerospace will also meet with both ODAA and OSIDA officials to ensure key stakeholders understand the company’s progress, operations, and future opportunities for suborbital flight and research.
The Oklahoma Air and Space Port
Located in western Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Air and Space Port is operated by OSIDA. It holds the distinction of being the first inland, landlocked spaceport licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The site features significant infrastructure, including a 13,503 x 300-foot concrete runway with 1,000-foot asphalt overruns at each end, a secondary 5,193 x 75-foot runway, and a manned air traffic control tower. Supporting facilities include a Fixed Base Operator (FBO) offering Jet-A fuel and aircraft services, and nearly 100 acres of paved area for parking and storage.
The surrounding industrial park is equipped with full utilities, high-speed fibre optic access, and available land and buildings for lease or development. Amenities include a medical clinic, restaurant, and nine-hole golf course, underscoring the site’s dual role as both an operational and community asset.
Economic Significance of Aerospace in Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s aviation and aerospace industry is the second-largest and fastest-growing economic sector in the state, generating nearly $44 billion annually. The industry supports more than 206,000 jobs, including 120,000 direct employees with an average annual salary of $73,300.
The $44 billion total is divided among three key segments:
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Military aviation and defence: $19.3 billion
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Off-airport aviation and aerospace businesses: $13.9 billion
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Commercial and general aviation airports: $10.6 billion
Oklahoma is home to 1,100 aerospace organisations, 10,000 pilots, and over 5,700 registered aircraft. Remarkably, 95% of the state’s population lives within a 30-minute drive of a jet-capable airport, underscoring the widespread impact of the industry on the regional economy.
Supporting Oklahoma’s Space Future
The OSIDA’s mission encompasses both operation of the Oklahoma Air and Space Port and promotion of the state’s space industry. Through partnerships such as this with Dawn Aerospace, Oklahoma is seeking to establish itself as a central player in America’s new generation of spaceflight initiatives.
With the arrival of Dawn Aerospace’s engineering team and a series of public and media engagements, Oklahoma’s spaceport in Burns Flat is poised to become a focus of international attention this week.
