Tulsa Looks to Reclaim Space Legacy with New Aerospace Facility

Proposed hypergolic propulsion test site at Tulsa International Airport aims to attract commercial space companies and high-skilled jobs

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Tulsa leaders and aviation professionals are backing a plan to build a new hypergolic propulsion test facility at Tulsa International Airport, aiming to pull more of the growing space industry into the city. Former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine highlighted Tulsa's historic role in U.S. space missions and says the project could attract commercial space companies and high-skilled jobs to Green Country.

Why it matters

Tulsa is looking to reclaim its legacy as a hub for the aerospace industry, which was once a major part of the local economy. The new propulsion test facility could help the city capitalize on the booming commercial space sector and bring high-paying jobs back to the region.

The details

The proposed hypergolic propulsion test facility would be located at Tulsa International Airport and would allow commercial space companies to test and develop new rocket engine technologies. Hypergolic propellants are a type of rocket fuel that can be stored at room temperature and ignite on contact, making them useful for spacecraft maneuvering and control systems.

  • Tulsa leaders and aviation professionals are currently backing the plan for the new facility.
  • Former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine recently highlighted Tulsa's historic role in U.S. space missions.

The players

Tulsa International Airport

The airport where the proposed hypergolic propulsion test facility would be located.

Jim Bridenstine

Former NASA Administrator who has highlighted Tulsa's historic role in U.S. space missions.

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What they’re saying

“Tulsa's historic role in U.S. space missions could help attract commercial space companies and high-skilled jobs to Green Country.”

— Jim Bridenstine, Former NASA Administrator

What’s next

The city and aviation professionals are currently working on finalizing the plans and securing funding for the new hypergolic propulsion test facility at Tulsa International Airport.

The takeaway

By investing in a new aerospace facility, Tulsa is positioning itself to reclaim its legacy as a hub for the space industry and attract high-skilled, high-paying jobs to the region.