Oklahoma's space dreams might finally get off the ground
If you lived in Burns Flat 14 years ago, you’d remember the opening of Oklahoma’s spaceport and the disappointment when those plans fell through.
But now, with SpaceX's historic launch, leaders at the state level believe Oklahoma’s space dreams might finally get off the ground.
“Oklahoma is unique. We have a distance advantage, and the spaceport out in Burns Flat happens to be one of those distinct advantages,” said Geoff Camp, director of aerospace and defense for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.
It’s Camp’s job to find the Elon Musks and Jeff Bezos and convince them to build and launch their rockets in Oklahoma.
“Those are the two household names in the space industry, but there are others right there, as well, that we are actively and aggressively recruiting to the state of Oklahoma right now,” Camp said.
According to Camp, Oklahoma’s spaceport sport more than just one of the largest runways in north America and the rare ability to launch rockets into a polar orbit. It also comes with the backing of what he said is a rare business-friendly and military-friendly climate.
Camp also told KOCO 5 that the spaceport is perfect for America’s new Space Force and any space company looking for a home.
“I see a very healthy space industry that is part commercial and part military,” Camp said about the future of Oklahoma and the space industry.
