Oklahoma Aerospace Week
Celebrating Oklahoma’s 2nd largest industry March 30 - April 4th
Oklahoma's Aerospace Week showcases the state's growing role in aviation and space industries, bringing together manufacturers, research institutions, military partners and workforce-development programs to highlight innovation, economic impact and career opportunities; events include exhibitions of advanced aircraft and unmanned systems, panel discussions on supply-chain resilience and space launch infrastructure, hands-on STEM activities for students, and networking sessions aimed at strengthening public-private collaboration across the state's aerospace ecosystem.
Daily Themes
March 30 - April 4th
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Oklahoma plays a critical role in the nation’s aerospace and defense landscape, supporting military aviation, maintenance, logistics, and advanced engineering. This day highlights the state’s defense partnerships, aerospace employers, and the workforce pipelines powering one of Oklahoma’s largest industries.
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From drones and autonomous aircraft to advanced sensing technologies, unmanned systems are rapidly transforming aviation. This day focuses on Oklahoma’s growing leadership in UAS research, testing, and commercial innovation.
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Public policy and strategic investment help fuel aerospace growth across the state. This day brings together industry leaders, educators, and policymakers to strengthen Oklahoma’s aerospace ecosystem and advocate for continued innovation, workforce development, and economic impact.
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Item descriptionAerospace innovation sits at the intersection of emerging technologies like AI, advanced manufacturing, space systems, and data analytics. This day explores how new technologies are shaping the future of flight, space exploration, and next-generation aerospace industries.
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Building the next generation of aerospace leaders starts with exposure and education. Outreach Day connects students, educators, and communities with hands-on opportunities to learn about careers in aviation, aerospace engineering, and space technology. description
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Aerospace Day in Oklahoma closes out Aerospace Week 2026 — a day to celebrate the people, innovations, and opportunities shaping flight from the Sooner State. Schools, museums, companies, and community groups come together for demonstrations, panel talks, hands-on activities, and a look at careers that lift local economies and inspire future engineers, pilots, and technicians.
Take what you learned this week — the stories, the science, the excitement — and share it with your friends, family, and neighbors. Bring aerospace into classrooms, community centers, and dinner-table conversations. Volunteer at local events, mentor a student, or simply pass along a
Aerospace Day in Oklahoma closes out Aerospace Week 2026 — a day to celebrate the people, innovations, and opportunities shaping flight from the Sooner State. Schools, museums, companies, and community groups come together for demonstrations, panel talks, hands-on activities, and a look at careers that lift local economies and inspire future engineers, pilots, and technicians.
Take what you learned this week — the stories, the science, the excitement — and share it with your friends, family, and neighbors. Bring aerospace into classrooms, community centers, and dinner-table conversations. Volunteer at local events, mentor a student, or simply pass along a fascinating fact or model you built. When the knowledge and enthusiasm from Aerospace Week spread through our communities, Oklahoma’s aerospace future grows stronger.
Oklahoma's Aerospace Industry: By the Numbers
120,000+
Oklahomans are employed in Oklahoma’s aerospace and defense industries
845,000+
acres of UAS
test sites
1,100+
aerospace entities operate in the state including manufacturers, MRO, research and development and others
#1
Lowest cost of doing business
CNBC America’s Best States for Business, 2025
5
military
installations
11
Oklahoma colleges and universities offer aerospace degrees and certifications
Data Courtesy of okcommerce.gov
Aerospace Week Events
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Pathways & Pastries: Cybersecurity & Simulation Technology Programs Open House
March 30th 8:00-10:00 AM @ Tanenbaum Aerospace & Cybersecurity Center
Start Aerospace Week with breakfast and a behind-the-scenes look at the programs preparing Oklahoma’s future aerospace workforce at Rose State College. This open house highlights pathways in Cybersecurity, Simulation Technology, and Aviation Management, showcasing how these programs are training the next generation of talent for aerospace, defense, and advanced technology industries.
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Aerospace Defense Briefing
March 30th 3:00-6:30PM @ Innovation Hall
As Aerospace Week kicks off in Oklahoma City, this briefing will bring together leaders and professionals from across the aerospace and defense sectors. The conversation will highlight opportunities, challenges, and innovation happening in one of Oklahoma’s fastest growing industries.
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Tech Talk: Aerospace Edition (eVTOL Integration)
March 31st 5:00-6:00 PM @ Hamm Institute for American Energy
Urban air mobility and electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL) are rapidly transforming aviation. This industry briefing explores how emerging technologies like autonomous flight systems and advanced air mobility will integrate into existing aerospace infrastructure and what that means for Oklahoma’s role in the future of aviation.
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ODAA / ACES / OKCID Legislative Reception
March 31st 6:00 - 7:00 PM @ Innovation Hall
Aerospace Week participants are invited to connect and network with industry professionals, government partners, and innovation leaders. Hosted by the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics, ACES, and the Oklahoma City Innovation District, this reception celebrates collaboration across the state’s aerospace community.
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OK State Government Advocacy and Awareness Day
April 1st 9:00 - 2:00 PM @ Oklahoma State Capitol
Industry leaders, educators, and aerospace organizations gather at the Oklahoma State Capitol to highlight the importance of aviation and aerospace to the state’s economy. Exhibits throughout the Capitol showcase cutting-edge technologies, workforce programs, and companies shaping Oklahoma’s aerospace future while providing opportunities for lawmakers to engage directly with industry stakeholders.
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Legacy to Launch: Igniting Oklahoma’s Space Industry
April 2nd @ Tulsa Air and Space Museum 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Hosted by Agile Space Industries, the Space Test Center, and the Tulsa Air and Space Museum, this event explores Oklahoma’s expanding role in the space economy through expert panels and industry discussions. Topics will cover the state’s aerospace legacy, the development of the Space Test Center, and the partnerships and investments driving Oklahoma’s growth as a hub for propulsion testing and space innovation.ion goes here
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Dronies Awards
April 2nd 5:15-6:30 PM @ ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center - Stillwater
The Dronies Awards recognize excellence in unmanned aerial systems (UAS) across aerospace innovation, education, research, safety and professional practice.
The 2026 awards will honor outstanding individuals andHosted by OSU OAIRE
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Innovation on the Block
April 3rd 6:00 - 7:30 PM @ Innovation Hall
Innovation on the Block brings together the community, innovators, and aerospace partners for an evening celebrating Oklahoma’s growing innovation ecosystem. Guests can connect with organizations and companies advancing technology, research, and entrepreneurship across the state.
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Blast OFF! A live chat with an astronaut
Blast Off! caps off Oklahoma Aerospace Week with a live conversation featuring an astronaut, streamed to select locations across the state. Hear firsthand insights on space exploration, life in orbit, and the future of aerospace during this unique, statewide experience.
