Oklahoma’s Space Bubble Is Forming. Are You Paying Attention?

There is something forming in Oklahoma. Something undeniable. It is not just an increase in interest or a few scattered headlines. It is a shift. A bubble is forming in the aerospace and defense (A&D) industry, and this time, Oklahoma is at the center.

The upcoming ODIA Space Summit on June 12th is not just another calendar event. It is a signal flare. It is the kind of gathering that only happens when enough pressure has built up behind the scenes, when private sector energy, public interest, and strategic vision begin to align. The conversations happening in these rooms are not theoretical. They are directional. And anyone paying attention can see where the current is flowing.

For years, the space industry was seen as the domain of coastal states and federal strongholds. But Oklahoma has quietly become a place where innovation is not only welcome, it is accelerating.

The Tulsa Test Center: A Clear Signal

On April 22, Agile Space Industries announced that contracts were officially signed to begin construction of the Tulsa Space Testing Center (TSTC). Set to open in 24 months, this facility will significantly expand the nation's propulsion testing infrastructure. It will become a critical resource for qualifying the next generation of space systems.

This is not a hypothetical project. It is real. Agile is actively finalizing scope and seeking partners now. For Tulsa, this is a major leap forward, positioning the city not only as a manufacturing hub but as a national strategic asset for aerospace.

This center will bring jobs, investment, and influence. But more importantly, it proves that the future of space exploration and national security is being written in places like Oklahoma, where costs are low, talent is high, and bureaucracy is limited. These are the conditions that build momentum.

The ODIA Space Summit: A Strategic Flashpoint

On June 12, 2025, the Oklahoma Defense & Industry Association (ODIA) will host a critical defense briefing: "The Space Industry in Oklahoma – Where We Are Now & What We Need to Do to Grow It."

This event is more than a policy session. It is a crossroads. In partnership with The Catalyst Accelerator and The University of Tulsa, the event will overlap with a Government Business Boot Camp. ODIA and its attendees will have a unique opportunity to hear live startup pitches from some of Oklahoma’s most promising innovators.

This blend of public and private energy is rare. Instead of isolated presentations, the format puts actionable ideas and government engagement on the same stage. It highlights not only what Oklahoma has achieved in aerospace and defense, but what must happen next to grow it into a national leader.

The message is clear. This is not a passive conversation. This is a workshop for the future. And it is happening in Oklahoma.

Why Oklahoma? Why Now?

The natural question for those outside the state is this: Why Oklahoma? Why now?

The answers are practical and powerful.

First, Oklahoma offers an incredible cost advantage. Compared to coastal states, startups and contractors can scale faster and operate leaner. Second, the state is rich in veteran talent, with a workforce trained in technical disciplines and mission-driven operations. Many of these individuals are returning home after military service and bringing their expertise with them.

Third, the state’s geography and infrastructure allow for rapid development and national access. Central location, lower land costs, and growing support from local governments make Oklahoma ideal for aerospace buildouts.

And finally, there is a cultural advantage. In Oklahoma, innovation does not get buried under layers of process. It gets permission to move fast. That is rare in this industry, and it matters.

Oklahoma Spaceworks: Built for This Moment

When we founded Oklahoma Spaceworks, we were not chasing a trend. We were responding to a vision, a belief that Oklahoma would become a serious player in aerospace and defense.

We built this company to support that future. We designed it to be adaptable, lean, and aligned with the needs of both industry and government. Whether it is subcontracting for prime defense contracts, providing top-tier consulting talent, or building out secure infrastructure, we are doing the work that moves programs forward.

We also believe deeply in workforce development. Our education initiatives are designed to bring real-world industry experience into classrooms across Oklahoma. If we want to build a sustainable talent pipeline, we need to start young and train intentionally.

We see Oklahoma Spaceworks as more than a company. We see it as a platform. One that can empower others, support bold ideas, and help bring the future closer.

And we are not alone. From Tulsa to Oklahoma City to rural counties in between, more companies are planting roots here, more contractors are looking here, and more investors are calling.

That is the sign of a bubble. Not a speculative one, but one formed by alignment, opportunity, and vision.

A Call to Industry Leaders

If you are in this industry, take a look at Oklahoma. Do not wait for everyone else to move. Because by the time you see it on the cover of a trade magazine, it will already be built.

If you are a contractor, look for partnerships here. If you are an executive, explore facilities here. If you are a policymaker, keep listening to what is happening in rooms like the ODIA Summit. And if you are a young engineer, entrepreneur, or dreamer, there is space for you here.

The next frontier is not only above us. It is being laid out beneath our feet. It is in Tulsa. It is in Oklahoma City. It is in small towns and secure facilities. It is in classrooms and boardrooms.

It is here.

And it is time.

James Wulz

CEO | Oklahoma Spaceworks

james.wulz@oklahomaspaceworks.com