Oklahoma Unveils Strategy to Capture Share of Booming Space Economy

OKLAHOMA CITY - The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA), alongside the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA), today released a statewide strategy to grow Oklahoma’s role in the fast-expanding space industry and position the state to compete for jobs, investment, and federal contracts as the global space economy nearly triples over the next decade. The strategy was announced by Governor Kevin Stitt during the Oklahoma Breakfast ahead of the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow. 

“We’re going to be top 10 in everything we do,” said Governor Kevin Stitt. “We’ve been building the backbone of the aerospace industry and we do it better than anyone else. By seizing this moment, we are creating generations of quality, good paying jobs for our kids and grandkids. This is a critical moment, and we are prepared to take it.”

The global space economy is worth $630 billion and is projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035. States that build a coordinated plan now stand to capture the lion’s share of that growth: the jobs, companies, and tax revenue that come with it. Oklahoma’s Space Advantage Strategy is designed to make sure Oklahoma is one of them. 

Oklahoma Has the Foundation
“Oklahoma isn’t starting from scratch. We’re building our legacy and creating the next Aerospace frontier right here in the heartland,” said Oklahoma Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell.  “Aerospace and defense is already the state’s second-largest and fastest-growing industry, supporting more than 120,000 jobs and $44 billion in annual economic activity. This strategy will ensure Oklahoma continues to be at the leading edge of aerospace innovation and technology for decades to come.”

Oklahoma is home to the first ever FAA-licensed inland commercial spaceport, the FAA Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, the two largest aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations in the world: Tinker Air Force Base, the largest military air depot in the country and American Airlines’ Tulsa base, the largest commercial MRO facility on Earth. The state also has a deep advanced manufacturing base that includes companies ranging from fewer than 10 employees to more than 1,500. 

ODAA Executive Director Grayson Ardies states, “Rather than competing with coastal launch hubs, Oklahoma is doubling down on where it already wins: testing and certifying space hardware, propulsion technology, microgravity research, high-volume advanced manufacturing, and MRO for reusable spacecraft. Leaning on our existing strengths within the broader aerospace ecosystem, these focus areas will allow Oklahoma’s space story to succeed over the next decade.”  

Oklahoma Is Already Winning
This strategy is not a bet on the future. It is already delivering results. Agile Space and Dawn Aerospace are building operations in Oklahoma, and Quantum Space, led by former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, recently chose Tulsa as the site of its new manufacturing facility. These wins demonstrate Oklahoma's momentum and provide a foundation for attracting more companies, contracts, and investment. 

“Economic development is about creating an environment where innovative companies can thrive,” said Oklahoma Department of Commerce CEO John Budd. "By combining a pro-business climate with performance-based incentives and strong partnerships, Oklahoma has already attracted leaders in the space industry. This strategy builds on that foundation and positions our state to compete for even more jobs, investment and groundbreaking technologies.”

A Simple, Low-Cost Framework
At the center of the plan is the establishment of the Oklahoma Advanced Space Innovation Sector, or OASIS, that would operate within ODAA/OSIDA by using existing state resources and networks. OASIS is not a new agency or a big-spending program. It’s an organizing framework that connects the state’s three aerospace hubs–Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and the Infinity One Spaceport in western Oklahoma. The framework is designed to align public investment, workforce training, research, and private-industry growth around a shared statewide strategy.  

Why It Matters for Every Part of Oklahoma
While the anchor companies will cluster around Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Infinity One, the strategy is designed so the resulting jobs don't remain confined to those hubs. Component manufacturers, machine shops, and parts suppliers that support the space industry can be located throughout the state. They need affordable land, reliable utilities, access to a trained workforce supported by CareerTech and universities, and a mindset to solve the space industry’s challenges. These strengths exist in every region of the state, which means all of Oklahoma stands to gain real, direct jobs from this strategy, not just the metro areas.

Fiscal Discipline and Accountability
Oklahoma's Space Advantage emphasizes phased implementation, measurable results, and accountability. Incentives from state and local economic development organizations would be tied to milestones such as job creation, private investment, contracts secured, or operational performance. The approach is designed to coordinate existing resources and attract federal and private capital alongside state appropriations rather than depend solely on large state investments.

The strategy also aligns Oklahoma with the priorities of the U.S. Department of War, the U.S Space Force, and NASA, which are increasing their demands for the kind of testing, research, manufacturing, and sustainment work Oklahoma is known for through decades of work in traditional aviation and national defense.

The full Oklahoma's Space Advantage strategy is available here.