New mission control center and hangar at Infinity One Oklahoma Spaceport will support Aurora spaceplane operations beginning in 2027.
BURNS FLAT, Okla. — October 20, 2026 — Oklahoma has broken ground on a $7.5 million Dawn Aerospace facility at Infinity One Oklahoma Spaceport, advancing the state’s efforts to attract commercial spaceflight investment and expand its aerospace industry.
Funded through an appropriation by the Oklahoma Legislature, the project includes a 5,000-square-foot mission control and operations center and a 10,000-square-foot hangar for Dawn Aerospace’s reusable, rocket-powered Aurora spaceplane.
The Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA), Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA), state leaders, and Dawn Aerospace representatives participated in the groundbreaking in Burns Flat.
“Today represents a turning point for Infinity One Oklahoma Spaceport,” said Grayson Ardies, CEO of OSIDA and executive director of ODAA. “For years, we’ve talked about Oklahoma’s potential in commercial spaceflight. Now we’re putting that potential into motion. Dawn Aerospace is bringing a fundamentally different approach to reaching space, one that uses a conventional runway rather than a traditional rocket launchpad. That’s exactly the kind of innovation we want to attract to Infinity One.”
Aurora Spaceplane Flights Planned for 2027
Dawn Aerospace plans to begin flying its full-performance Aurora spaceplane from Infinity One Oklahoma Spaceport in 2027. The company has completed 64 Aurora test flights. In 2024, the aircraft broke the sound barrier and established a world speed record by reaching an altitude of 20 kilometers—approximately 66,000 feet—in 118.6 seconds from a runway.
Aurora combines conventional runway takeoffs and landings with rocket propulsion, enabling high-speed, high-altitude missions. The reusable vehicle is being developed to provide frequent, lower-cost access to suborbital space for microgravity research, scientific experiments, space technology testing, target presentation, and other specialized applications.
Designed for rapid turnaround, Aurora can fly again within hours. California-based Astral Materials, an advanced semiconductor company, has booked up to 100 Aurora flights from Infinity One Spaceport in 2028.
Investment Expands Western Oklahoma’s Aerospace Opportunities
The new Dawn Aerospace facility will introduce commercial spaceflight operations to an established aviation site, with opportunities for additional business activity and workforce development as operations grow.
“Oklahoma has built a reputation as a state where businesses can thrive, and Dawn Aerospace is a great example of what happens when we work together to turn opportunity into investment,” said Oklahoma Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell. “It’s been an honor to be part of this effort since our first conversations with Dawn in 2024. To go from those initial discussions to breaking ground in Burns Flat is a testament to Oklahoma’s pro-business approach and our commitment to helping innovative companies succeed.”
State Representative Nick Archer highlighted the project’s potential to attract companies and skilled workers to western Oklahoma.
“When people think about the future of the space industry, they might picture Florida or Texas. But some of the most exciting opportunities are taking shape right here in western Oklahoma,” Archer said. “Having a company like Dawn Aerospace establish operations in Burns Flat puts our region on the map in an entirely new way. It’s an opportunity to bring new business, attract talent, and show what rural Oklahoma can contribute to a global industry.”
State Senator Paul Rosino emphasized the connection between commercial spaceflight and Oklahoma’s existing aviation capabilities, including its runways, technical workforce, and aircraft operations expertise.
Mission Control Center and Hangar Scheduled for Fall 2027 Completion
The 15,000-square-foot development is expected to be completed in fall 2027. Plans include dedicated mission control areas, avionics and payload workspaces, a flight simulation office, conference rooms, and supporting operational space.
The adjoining hangar will house Aurora and support aircraft preparation and maintenance.
“Aurora is designed to change the economics of spaceflight by making it possible to fly more frequently, with aircraft-like operations and rapid reusability,” said Stefan Powell, CEO and co-founder of Dawn Aerospace. “To make that possible, we need more than a runway. We need a place where we can prepare the aircraft, manage missions, and support our customers. Oklahoma offers a unique combination of capabilities and partners who understand what we’re trying to achieve. This facility is a major step toward bringing that vision into service.”
About the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics
The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics supports the growth of Oklahoma’s aerospace, defense, and space industries through infrastructure investment, strategic partnerships, workforce training, and industry development. The department operates the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority, which manages Infinity One Oklahoma Spaceport and leads efforts to expand the state’s commercial space sector.
About Dawn Aerospace
Founded in 2017, Dawn Aerospace develops space transportation technologies designed to increase access to space and improve spacecraft mobility. Its Aurora spaceplane is designed for twice-daily suborbital flights, with a four-hour turnaround time, speeds of up to Mach 3.7, altitudes of 100 kilometers, and up to 120 seconds of microgravity.
The company also supplies nitrous oxide propulsion systems and is developing Loop, an in-orbit refueling network. Dawn Aerospace employs more than 150 people across the Netherlands, France, Germany, New Zealand, and the United States.
