Oklahoma’s vision for space
By Atalie Sherman
Oklahoma stands at the precipice of booming opportunities in the space industry.
As former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine explains, “Oklahoma is uniquely positioned to strengthen the burgeoning space economy and support America’s space strategy.”
A historically monumental state in the space world, famed for the most significant space programs in human history, including Apollo, the Space Shuttle and the Artemis program, Oklahoma is no stranger to space. Currently, there are many Oklahoman initiatives to bring the state into space prominence once again: this time, in the world of commercial space.
Photo of SpaceX Crew Dragon Demo-1 taken by Gabe Sherman
Orbital Launch
The state of Oklahoma has a unique opportunity to utilize its capabilities for orbital launches, that is, launching spacecraft from state soil. There are two small, proven orbital launch vehicles that could provide a low enough calculation of expected casualty to do the remarkable— launch from the Oklahoma SpacePort at Burns Flat. Launching from Oklahoman soil is an amazing opportunity for the state to prove its competency in space and provide opportunities for Oklahomans in STEM careers to shine.
As Bridenstine explains, “A thriving local space economy will inspire generations of Oklahomans to choose STEM careers,” ensuring that professional opportunities exist for them to pursue their dreams at home.
Such an opportunity would pave the way for future space endeavors in the state, bettering the lives of prospective Oklahomans in the process.
Human Research
Commercial space has dramatically increased the number of people who have been to space in the last few years. No longer strictly astronauts, many influential people have utilized the accessibility of commercial space to fulfill their goals, be it personal or professional.
While NASA has identified many hazards to the physiological and psychological health and safety of its astronauts, astronauts represent a small minority of the population. Thus, with the increased commercialization of space exploration comes an increased need to study broader populations of civilians with diverse mental and physical statuses.
Fortunately enough for Oklahoma, the need for this human research can be facilitated within the state. Oklahoman colleges, especially Oklahoma State University (OSU), have the unique opportunity to collect data, conduct research and distribute information associated with the challenges of commercial space, as there is currently no entity doing so.
Bridenstine conveys the importance of this opportunity, stating that, “the growth of the space industry in Oklahoma could fundamentally change the perception of the state, creating opportunities to compete for coveted engineering and technical talent.”
Space Flight Training
Photo of Commercial Crew Astronauts taken by Gabe Sherman
The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Civil Aeromedical Institute (CAMI) is at the Mike Momney Aeronautical Center in OKC. At CAMI, numerous training systems for aviators and flight attendants are in operation—many of which are directly applicable to spaceflight participant training. By utilizing CAMI’s chambers for low-pressure and rapid decompression training, spatial disorientation simulators, post-crash survival skills and more, the average civilian could experience that same training astronauts undergo at the Johnson Space Center.
A partnership with CAMI could yield experiences designed to better prepare space flight participants for their missions. Looking at the future, this could establish Oklahoma as a leader and focal point for future commercial space flight training activities.
As Bridenstine reinforces, such an opportunity will “not only benefit the standings of Oklahomans in space but contribute to US leadership in space.”
The vision for Oklahoma’s future in space is promising. By using statewide initiatives and partnerships to secure a future of opportunity, Oklahoma’s commitment to commercial space can have generational impacts on Oklahomans. In prioritizing technological innovation at the state level, the capabilities of Oklahomans can shine at the national level, cementing Oklahoma as a leader in commercial space.