TULSA, Okla. –
Tulsa’s aviation roots could help power the next chapter of America’s space industry.
Pilots, aerospace professionals and space enthusiasts gathered at Destinations Aviation Center to hear former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine discuss why the city is uniquely positioned to expand its footprint beyond aviation and into advanced space operations.
“We Need to Start Thinking Differently About Space”
Bridenstine said that the global space landscape is changing rapidly.
“We need to start thinking differently about space,” he said. “It’s a fundamentally different industry than it used to be, and we’re excited as the Artemis Group to bring that back here to the city of Tulsa and the state of Oklahoma.”
A Space Legacy Rooted in Tulsa
While the conversation focused on the future, Bridenstine highlighted Tulsa’s long-standing ties to America’s space program. He noted that Tulsa companies helped build key components for rockets that sent astronauts to the moon and manufactured parts for the International Space Station.
He also pointed to a unique piece of history: the American Airlines 747 – the plane that transported the space shuttle on its back – was modified in Tulsa.
“So, we have this great history of space here in Tulsa,” Bridenstine said. “What we’re doing now is we’re bringing it back. And now in the space community, it’s not about government purchased, owned and operated systems, it’s about commercial systems that the government can buy as a service.”
A New Propulsion Test Facility at Tulsa International Airport
Looking ahead, Bridenstine and his development group plan to build a hypergolic propulsion test facility at Tulsa International Airport. The proposed facility would focus on testing propulsion systems designed to help satellites maneuver in space.
“Space is being targeted by adversaries around the globe,” Bridenstine said. “And so, we have to be able to maneuver in space, just like we maneuver in the ocean for the Navy.”
No timeline has been announced for construction.
The Future of Aviation and Aerospace in Green Country
Local pilots said having a former NASA administrator investing in Tulsa makes the aviation community excited.
“It’s fun to have him here as part of the Destinations community now,” said pilot Paul Stafford. “So, I’m super excited.”
Supporters believe projects like the proposed propulsion facility could attract additional space companies to Tulsa and create high-skilled jobs in the region.
“We have a workforce second to none,” said Bridenstine. “And we have the capability of doing this.”