Dawn's First U.S. ‘Runway-to-Space’ Challenge for Aurora Payload Test Flights, Flying from Infinity One Oklahoma Spaceport
- Apr 17
- 3 min read
BURNS FLAT, Okla., — The Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA), in partnership with Dawn Aerospace, is proud to announce the opening of applications for the Runway-to-Space Spaceplane Challenge. This first-of-its-kind U.S. competition invites researchers to fly payloads aboard Dawn’s Aurora suborbital uncrewed spaceplane operating out of the Infinity One Oklahoma Spaceport (formerly Oklahoma Air and Space Port).
The program will allocate up to 25 flights, offering selected teams an opportunity to test, iterate, and re-fly experiments. Unlike traditional suborbital missions that are usually single-use and spaced months apart, the Aurora is designed for rapid, runway-based operations with turnaround times measured in hours. This shift brings spaceflight closer to an aviation-like model, enabling new mission profiles ranging from step-by-step microgravity research to high-speed atmospheric testing.
“This partnership underscores Oklahoma’s commitment to being a leader in the aerospace industry,” said Grayson Ardies, CEO of OSIDA. “By utilizing the unique capabilities of the Aurora Spaceplane, we are providing our universities and research centers with a rapid-response platform to accelerate American innovation in space.”
The Next Era of Space Testing The Aurora has completed more than 60 operational missions, focusing on routine, scalable, and responsive access to the edge of space.
“Meaningful access to microgravity typically means going to orbit, which is expensive, slow, and often out of reach for early-stage ideas,” said Stefan Powell, CEO of Dawn Aerospace. “Aurora changes that by giving teams a fast, lower-cost way to access microgravity and iterate within months. It’s not a substitute for long-duration missions, but it enables experiments that would otherwise never leave the ground, turning ideas that might never have flown into viable missions that can ultimately progress to orbit.”
Jim Bridenstine, managing partner of The Artemis Group and former NASA administrator, added: “This competition is about capturing the imagination of scientists, engineers, and researchers, while also enabling a new way of working, where research can move faster, iterate more frequently, and strengthen U.S. leadership in space-enabled science and industry.”
Competition Details:
Eligibility: As an Oklahoma-funded challenge, the program is designed to foster collaboration led by Oklahoma institutions. Applications must be submitted by an Oklahoma-based university or research institution. Out-of-state universities and research institutions are encouraged to join as partners, contributing alongside an Oklahoma-based lead.
Key Dates: Applications open April 16, 2026 and close 5 PM CT Sept. 25, 2026.
Payload Capacity: Capacity for up to 15 kg (33 lbs).
Flight Profile: Altitudes approaching 100 km, speeds exceeding Mach 3.5, and up to 127 seconds of microgravity.
Timeline: Flights are scheduled to begin in mid- to late-2027, allowing teams about 12 months to prepare payloads.
Strategic Growth at Infinity One
The competition coincides with critical improvements to infrastructure and utilities at the Infinity One Oklahoma Spaceport. The ongoing $30+ million worth of upgrades and renovations to the facility will prepare Infinity One for future growth and success. In addition, OSIDA has also invested in the 2025 deployment of an automated detect-and-avoid system for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and will soon start construction on a dedicated space operations complex for the Aurora spaceplane that will arrive in 2027.
About the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA) The Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA), a state agency operated by the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA), serves as the architect and leader of Oklahoma’s aerospace ecosystem. Dedicated to promoting the state’s space-related capabilities and attracting global investment, OSIDA manages the Infinity One Oklahoma Spaceport to foster a robust space economy. By developing infrastructure, workforce, and strategic partnerships, OSIDA powers an agile gateway for innovation—uniting Oklahoma’s legacy of aerospace excellence with the limitless potential of the next frontier to fuel a more secure and prosperous nation.
About Dawn Aerospace Dawn Aerospace is a space transportation company, bridging Earth and space economies with spaceplanes and refuellable satellite propulsion. Founded in 2017, Dawn Aerospace has over 130 staff across the Netherlands, France, New Zealand, and the United States. Alongside Dawn’s spaceplane program with 64 completed flights is Dawn’s propulsion systems operating on 44 satellites. The next step is Loop, an on-orbit refueling network, revolutionizing sustainability and scalability of in-space mobility.
About Infinity One Oklahoma Spaceport Managed by the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA), Infinity One Oklahoma Spaceport is one of only 14 FAA-licensed spaceports in the United States. It features one of the longest runways in North America (13,503 feet) and was the first FAA-approved spaceport in a landlocked state. This strategic infrastructure supports horizontal launch and recovery, aerospace testing and research for next-generation spacecraft, and traditional commercial aviation activities such as MRO, flight training, and aerial wildfire response. In 2025, Oklahoma solidified its position in the commercial space sector by merging OSIDA under the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) to streamline industry growth and prepare for the next era of space renaissance.
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