Oklahoma’s aerospace industry takes center stage later this month as Aerospace Week returns with a full slate of events highlighting innovation, workforce development, and the future of flight. Running March 30 through April 4, the weeklong series will bring together industry leaders, educator s, policymakers, students, and community organizations across the state. The initiative is led by the Oklahoma City Innovation District in partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics, with events happening in multiple cities. Aerospace is big business in Oklahoma. The sector ranks as the state’s second-largest industry, supporting more than 120,000 jobs across roughly 1,100 organizations—from manufacturing and maintenance to research and military operations. As investment grows in areas like unmanned aerial systems, propulsion testing, and advanced aviation technology, the week aims to spotlight how Oklahoma is carving out a larger role in the national aerospace landscape. Programming is spread throughout the week, with each day focusing on a different piece of the industry. The week kicks off Monday with Workforce Aerospace Defense Day, including an open house at Rose State College highlighting training programs in cybersecurity, simulation technology, and aviation management. Tuesday’s Future of Technology Day turns to what’s next, with discussions around emerging tech in aviation, manufacturing, and space. On Wednesday, industry leaders head to the State Capitol for Government Advocacy and Awareness Day, connecting directly with lawmakers during the AERO Oklahoma event. Tulsa takes the spotlight Thursday during Market Leadership Day, with events tied to the region’s long-standing aviation roots and its expanding role in space and propulsion development. Partners like Agile Space Industries and the Tulsa Air and Space Museum are expected to host programming. Friday shifts the focus to students during Aerospace Outreach Day, with hands-on STEM activities and career exploration events hosted at sites like FISTA Innovation Park and other innovation hubs. The week wraps up Saturday with Aerospace Community Day, offering family-friendly events, educational programming, and even live astronaut conversations at museums across the state. A number of major institutions are involved in the effort, including Oklahoma State University, the Tulsa Regional Chamber, the Stafford Air Space Museum, and Tinker Air Force Base. In Oklahoma City, Innovation Hall will serve as one of several central gathering spots, hosting events that bring together researchers, entrepreneurs, and students interested in aerospace technology. New this year, organizers have launched an official Aerospace Week website to serve as a hub for event listings, registration, and updates. With a mix of industry panels, workforce initiatives, student programming, and public events, Aerospace Week is designed to both showcase Oklahoma’s current strengths and build momentum for the next generation of aerospace professionals. A full schedule and additional details can be found at oklahomaaerospaceweek.org. The post Oklahoma Aerospace Week Takes Off March 30–April 4 appeared first on Oklahoma Gazette. ...read more read less