Two leading members of the Global Spaceport Alliance (GSA)— New Zealand-based Dawn Aerospace and the Oklahoma Air & Space Port—have announced a groundbreaking partnership that is set to transform suborbital space around the world. Under the new agreement, Dawn Aerospace will establish U.S. operations and fly its Mk-II Aurora spaceplane from Oklahoma, marking a pivotal moment in spaceport development and reusable spaceplane operations.
“Partnering with Dawn Aerospace establishes Oklahoma as a potential leader in space access and possibly making the Oklahoma Air & Space Port one of the busiest spaceports in the world,” said Craig Smith, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA).
This partnership marks a significant step in democratizing space access for local communities. By establishing high-frequency, low-cost suborbital launches from a spaceport, this vehicle brings space within reach of universities, startups, and research institutions across their region. It opens the door for students, educators, and innovators to actively participate in space science, conduct real-world experiments in microgravity, and pursue careers in the space industry—all without leaving their home state/area.
Through this effort, space is no longer the domain of distant launch sites—it becomes a tangible, local opportunity that uplifts entire communities and fuels regional economic growth.
Advancing the GSA Mission Through Member Collaboration
This partnership exemplifies the core mission of the Global Spaceport Alliance: to connect and empower spaceports and stakeholders worldwide through strategic collaboration, shared innovation, and sustainable growth.
“The GSA was created to foster precisely these kinds of forward-looking relationships,” said Dr. George Nield, Chairman of GSA. “When two GSA members come together to advance the frontier of space access, it’s a win not only for the Alliance—but for the entire spaceport ecosystem.”
With the Aurora spaceplane scheduled for delivery and first flights in 2027, the Oklahoma Air & Space Port will become a major testbed for microgravity research and suborbital science, with broad commercial and educational benefits.
Breaking Barriers with Reusable Spaceflight
Dawn Aerospace’s Mk-II Aurora is a rocket-powered, remotely piloted spaceplane designed to carry payloads up to 11 lbs (5 kg) to altitudes exceeding 330,000 feet (100 km). In 2024, Aurora became the fastest rocket-powered aircraft to launch from a runway, reaching Mach 1.12 at 82,500 feet and breaking a decades-old “time to climb” world record. With a rapid 4-hour turnaround, Aurora is expected to be the first aircraft to cross the Karman line twice in one day—a capability with massive implications for microgravity access and scientific experimentation.
“Our mission is to push the boundaries of aviation all the way to space, and Oklahoma is a perfect place in the United States to make that happen,” said Stefan Powell, CEO, and founder of Dawn Aerospace. “By developing a rapidly reusable aircraft, we’re bringing the efficiency of aviation to spaceflight—dramatically increasing flight frequency, cutting costs, and accelerating breakthroughs in science and space research that deliver critical insights and services for a better future.”
Transforming Oklahoma into a Space Access Hub
By welcoming Dawn’s cutting-edge platform, the Oklahoma Air & Space Port—one of GSA’s founding members—is reinforcing its commitment to innovation, national security, and economic growth.
“The next industrial revolution is happening in space, and the scientific research and commercialization opportunities that exist in microgravity are transformational. Operating Dawn’s Aurora spaceplane at the Oklahoma Air and Space Port will both reduce costs and increase access to microgravity throughout the space industry. This important partnership positions the state of Oklahoma at the center of American space innovation”, said Jim Bridenstine, managing partner of the Artemis Group and former NASA administrator (2018-2021).
The state’s leadership echoed these ambitions:
“Oklahoma is positioned to be at the forefront of the next space frontier and a hub for national defense,” said Oklahoma Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell. “With targeted investment, the state is moving to secure frequent and reliable space access and is set to become America’s busiest suborbital launch site. Launching from Burns Flat will unlock a new class of microgravity research, national security applications, and commercial innovation.”
As part of the agreement, Oklahoma’s colleges and universities will have free access to Aurora for research flights during the first year of operations—empowering the next generation of space professionals through hands-on experience.
A Model for GSA’s Vision of the Future
For the Global Spaceport Alliance, this partnership between two member organizations reflects the Alliance’s vision of a globally connected network of spaceports and operators that enable safe, sustainable, and frequent access to space.
With Dawn Aerospace operating one of the most advanced suborbital platforms from a U.S. spaceport, the space industry is one step closer to achieving the goals outlined in the GSA’s strategic roadmap: cross-border innovation, integrated launch infrastructure, and routine horizontal space access.
Dawn GSA Special Briefing Recording
Dawn Aerospace Unveils Game-Changing Spaceplane in GSA Special Briefing
Recording Now Available
The Global Spaceport Alliance (GSA) has released the full recording of its special briefing featuring Stefan Powell, CEO of Dawn Aerospace, who unveiled a major advancement in suborbital spaceflight: the Aurora spaceplane.
Stefan announced that its Aurora spaceplane is now available for purchase, with first deliveries expected in 2027. This marks
a historic milestone: the first time a space-capable vehicle — designed to fly beyond the Kármán line (100 km – 328,000 ft) – has been offered for direct sale to customers.
