Space research plane to be stationed in Oklahoma

BURNS FLAT, Okla. (KFOR) - A high-flying, rocket-powered, remote-piloted plane is making its way to Oklahoma in a couple of years, and it's all set to be used for space research.

"This is a game changer," Executive Director of the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority Craig J. Smith said.

Beautiful views from the final frontier, and the plane bringing the image to your screen is soon to be stationed in Oklahoma.

"This partnership of Dawn Aerospace will establish Oklahoma as leading the future in space access in the United States," Smith said.

It's "The Aurora" from Dawn Aerospace, a company based in New Zealand. They're partnering with the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority to deliver it to Burns Flat, where the state air and space port is. Only 10 states across the country have ports like that.

"We were the very first spaceport located inland in a landlocked state. So ours is designed for horizontal takeoffs and landings," Smith said.

It's rocket-powered, remote-piloted, and rapidly reusable. In only 4 hours, it's ready to fly again, which sets it up to be the first aircraft to reach something called the Karman line, the boundary of Earth's atmosphere and space, 62 miles high, twice in a day.

"Literally no vehicle that's ever been designed that can do this," founder and CEO of Dawn Aerospace Stefan Powell said.

It's main use is for microgravity research. They do that for things that are hard to study on earth due to gravity's influence. Applied to several fields, it can lead to big discoveries, whether that be drugs for cancer research or even technology like chips in your phone.

"That has just huge implications for how fast we can use space to improve our lives," Powell said. "You know, it makes science go faster."

A Dawn Aerospace team will be hired in Oklahoma and trained in New Zealand to operate the plane back in the Sooner State. They plan to provide parts and maintenance to keep it going. The plane is expected to be delivered in 2027, with a flight taking place that same year.