Dawn Aerospace has announced a significant milestone: the first order for its Aurora suborbital spaceplane. A partnership with the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA) will see the Aurora Mark 2 operating from the Oklahoma Air and Space Port, with flights slated to commence as early as 2027.
The $17 million agreement represents a hybrid model. Dawn Aerospace will provide both the spaceplane and an operational team, initially training an Oklahoma-based team in New Zealand before they manage up to 100 Aurora flights annually. Stefan Powell, Dawn's CEO, stated, “They wanted to be sure that at least the first year of operations would go well. We’re happy to commit to doing that. But ultimately, like we want to empower them to be able to operate the vehicle themselves.”
Oklahoma's selection stems from its existing FAA-licensed spaceport and OSIDA's proactive approach to attracting space industry players. Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell highlighted the state's ambition to become "America’s busiest suborbital launch site," while former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine emphasized the cost reduction and increased microgravity access this partnership provides.
Powell confirmed substantial interest from various U.S. and European entities, including airports without spaceport licenses but with potential to accommodate Aurora flights. He noted the potential for Aurora in suborbital research, hardware testing, Earth and space science, and national security simulations, emphasizing the vehicle's cost-effectiveness and high flight rate.
Dawn Aerospace plans to gradually increase Aurora production, targeting one to two vehicles in 2028, and ultimately five per year. The company's innovative approach is poised to reshape the suborbital space access landscape.