Oklahoma is taking another step toward expanding its commercial space industry with a $7.5 million investment in new mission control and hangar facilities at Infinity One Oklahoma Spaceport in Burns Flat. The project will support Dawn Aerospace’s reusable, rocket-powered Mk-II Aurora spaceplane and strengthen the state’s efforts to become a national center for runway-based commercial spaceflight.
The Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA), Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA), and Dawn Aerospace will mark the beginning of construction with a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
$7.5 Million Investment to Expand Oklahoma Spaceport Infrastructure
The project, funded through a $7.5 million appropriation from the Oklahoma Legislature, includes two major facilities designed to support future commercial space operations.
The development will feature a 5,000-square-foot mission control and operations center alongside a 10,000-square-foot hangar built to accommodate Dawn Aerospace’s Mk-II Aurora spaceplane.
The facilities will provide essential infrastructure for managing flight operations, supporting aircraft maintenance, and preparing for the company’s planned activities at Infinity One Oklahoma Spaceport.
Located in Burns Flat in western Oklahoma, the spaceport is a central part of the state’s strategy to attract aerospace investment and develop commercial spaceflight capabilities.
Supporting Reusable Spaceplane Operations
Unlike conventional launch vehicles that rely on vertical rocket launches, Dawn Aerospace’s Mk-II Aurora is designed to take off and land on conventional runways.
The reusable, rocket-powered spaceplane is being developed to support commercial suborbital missions, offering an alternative approach to traditional rocket operations.
Its runway-based design is intended to enable more frequent flights while reducing the operational complexity associated with conventional space launches.
Dawn Aerospace expects to begin operating the Mk-II Aurora at Infinity One Oklahoma Spaceport in 2027.
The new mission control center and hangar will play an important role in supporting those operations as Oklahoma expands its commercial space infrastructure.
Groundbreaking Ceremony Scheduled for October 13 in Burns Flat
The groundbreaking ceremony will bring together state officials, aerospace industry representatives, and Dawn Aerospace executives to recognize the project’s significance for Oklahoma’s space industry.
The event is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Infinity One Oklahoma Spaceport in Burns Flat.
State Officials and Aerospace Leaders to Attend
Several government and industry leaders are scheduled to participate in the ceremony, including:
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Matt Pinnell, Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma
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John Budd, CEO of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce
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Nick Archer, Oklahoma State Representative
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Anthony Moore, Oklahoma House Speaker Pro Tempore
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Paul Rosino, Oklahoma State Senator
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Gabe Sherman, Managing Partner of The Artemis Group and former NASA Chief of Staff
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Stefan Powell, Co-Founder and CEO of Dawn Aerospace
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Grayson Ardies, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics and CEO of the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority
The ceremony will include a ceremonial groundbreaking involving state leaders and Dawn Aerospace executives.
Attendees will also have an opportunity to view the future construction site and learn more about the planned mission control facility and spaceplane hangar.
Interviews with state officials and Dawn Aerospace leadership are expected to be available during the event.
Oklahoma Seeks Larger Role in Commercial Spaceflight
The development represents another investment in Oklahoma’s efforts to establish a stronger presence in the growing commercial space industry.
Infinity One Oklahoma Spaceport is being positioned as a location for high-frequency, runway-based spaceflight operations, an approach that differs from traditional launch facilities primarily designed for vertical rocket launches.
The planned facilities will support Dawn Aerospace’s operations while adding specialized infrastructure to the spaceport.
Construction Expected to Finish in Fall 2027
Construction of the mission control and operations facility and the accompanying spaceplane hangar is expected to be completed in fall 2027.
The development schedule aligns with Dawn Aerospace’s plans to begin operating the Mk-II Aurora at the Oklahoma spaceport during the same year.
The project also reflects cooperation between state government agencies and private aerospace companies to develop infrastructure for emerging commercial spaceflight activities.
New Facilities Mark Milestone for Oklahoma Aerospace Industry
The groundbreaking marks a significant step in Oklahoma’s long-term efforts to expand its aerospace and spaceflight capabilities.
With $7.5 million in state funding, a dedicated mission control center, and a specialized hangar for the Mk-II Aurora, Infinity One Oklahoma Spaceport is preparing to support a new phase of reusable commercial spaceplane operations.
As construction moves forward toward its expected completion in fall 2027, the project could help establish Burns Flat as an important location for runway-based suborbital spaceflight in the United States.
