Oklahoma's Space Port

Here is the story from the Oklahoman:

FAA approves state spaceport

By Julie Bisbee
The Oklahoman

Oklahoma's spaceport now has federal approval to be a site for commercial space flights. Officials with the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority received confirmation late Monday that their application to fly commercial flights to space had been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration, said Bill Khourie, executive director of the development authority.

"I think without question this will produce significant statewide economic development and make us a centerpiece for new research and technology,"” Khourie said.

Located at a former military base in Burns Flat, the spaceport's long runways are ideal for the takeoff of planes modified to go to space.

Rocketplane Kistler will be among the first companies to use the spaceport. The Oklahoma City-based company expects to begin commercial flights by 2008. The flights will be piloted by former astronaut John Herrington.

"This is a necessary step for us, said Bob Seto, vice president of engineering for Rocketplane Kistler. "“Without it we can't enter commercial operation. Oklahoma is where we want to launch and intend to do so.”"

Other states are working to develop their own spaceport. In New Mexico, the state Legislature has allocated $225 million for spaceport development. State legislatures in California and Florida are also looking for ways to fund spaceport development in their states.

Personally i find it rather funny. A space port in Burns Flat. I think the only space flight was a space shuttle from Edwards Air Force Base. Well it least we got our spaceport before Texas! I can't believe E.Z. Million and the Sooner Chamber of Commerce are not behind this.