The Next Industrial Revolution is in Space — and Oklahoma Can Lead It
By Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell
I recently attended the 40th Annual Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, which is the largest space symposium in the world. The message I heard over and over from government leaders, commercial innovators, and global competitors was clear: the next industrial revolution is underway — and it’s happening in space.
According to the Space Foundation, the global space economy has reached $546 billion and is growing at an impressive 8% annually. It is projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2040. This growth is driven not just by satellite communications, but by an expanding variety of subsectors: navigation, weather observation, remote sensing, space stations, and — most promising — space-based pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and regenerative medicine research.
This isn't just a story of rockets and satellites. This is about life-saving medical breakthroughs, national security, high-tech job creation, and economic competitiveness in a rapidly changing world. And Oklahoma — with the right vision, investment, and leadership — is uniquely positioned to be a global leader in this space-driven future.
Driven by strategic investments, a skilled workforce, and robust infrastructure centered around Tulsa International Airport (TUL), Tulsa is rapidly emerging as a national leader in the aerospace industry. With over 700 acres of developable land and a central location accessible by a multi-modal transportation network, TUL is a magnet for aerospace innovation and expansion.
Agile Space Industries, one of the companies I met with at the Space Symposium, is developing a Tulsa Space Test Center at TUL. This $20 million facility will provide advanced in-space rocket engine testing capabilities, addressing a critical shortage of such infrastructure in the U.S. This test center will support NASA, commercial space companies, and the Department of Defense, positioning Tulsa as a premier location for space engine testing.
Complementing this growth, Lufthansa Technik Component Services has initiated a multi-million-dollar expansion at its TUL facility. The project includes a new 25,000-square-foot building to house administrative departments and an updated avionics workshop, increasing the facility's total size to over 140,000 square feet. This expansion will add 90 new workstations and enhance Lufthansa’s capacity to support airlines in the Americas.
Additionally, US Aviation is constructing a new 51,972-square-foot hangar at TUL, doubling its operational space to meet the growing demand from private and corporate clients. This $6.8 million investment underscores the increasing activity and confidence in Tulsa's aviation industry.
These projects, combined with Tulsa's strategic location and commitment to aerospace advancement, are propelling the city to the forefront of the industry, attracting investment, creating high-paying jobs, and establishing a robust ecosystem for future aerospace innovation and discovery.
Space isn’t just about discovery, however; it’s about delivery. As national security and commercial applications migrate from massive geostationary satellites to constellations of thousands of smaller, lower-cost satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), the U.S. needs a robust supply chain to keep up.
These satellites have short lifespans — usually around five years — and must be constantly replaced. That creates a consistent, high-volume pipeline of aerospace parts and technology that must be designed, produced, and integrated with the latest innovations.
Oklahoma’s legacy aerospace manufacturers already have deep experience in producing certified components for commercial and military aircraft. With the right incentives and strategic guidance, these companies can shift toward serving the booming LEO satellite market.
The next industrial revolution is happening in space. The states that recognize this and act now will become the leaders of the future. Oklahoma has the necessary tools to fill this role: aerospace expertise, wide-open spaces, research universities, and a growing innovation ecosystem.
To fully realize our potential, Oklahoma needs a coordinated statewide strategy. We must organize our key capabilities, market them effectively, and build infrastructure that attracts external investment and industry partnerships.
The payoff won’t just be economic. A thriving space industry in Oklahoma will inspire students to pursue STEM careers, keep top talent in-state, and open doors for future generations to explore the final frontier — not from afar, but from their own backyard.
Oklahoma is ready for launch. Let’s not miss our shot.
