Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education

OAIRE's Executive Director, Dr. Jamey Jacob and LaunchPad Director, James Spencer recently participated in an exclusive behind-the-scenes VIP tour of the Blue Origin manufacturing facility at Cape Canaveral.

As OAIRE continues to expand its support of rocket and space research, testing, and workforce development, building relationships with industry leaders helps strengthen the future direction of LaunchPad and other OSU programs. Collaborations like these provide valuable insights into emerging technologies, manufacturing processes, and workforce needs across the aerospace sector.

A special thank you to Blue Origin and Phillips Additive Manufacturing Solutions for the opportunity and hospitality!

OAIRE was proud to have our engineers, researchers, and students share their work at the AIAA Aviation Forum 2026, showcasing innovative aerospace research and operational expertise.

📄 Chris Swan, Flight Operations Manager, presented "Obtaining and Executing High-Altitude FAA Public Operator COAs in and Near Class C Airspace: sUAS for Weather Study," highlighting the challenges and lessons learned from conducting high-altitude unmanned aircraft operations in complex airspace environments.

📄 Kathleen McNamara, R&D Engineer, along with student researchers Matt Ellis, Blake Haskins, Nyah Hoster, and Lily Yates, presented "A Kite Tail Stability Study: Performance of Kite Tails With Varying Length and Geometry," exploring how kite tail design influences flight stability and performance.

These presentations demonstrate OAIRE's commitment to advancing aerospace research while providing students with opportunities to contribute to meaningful, real-world engineering challenges alongside faculty and industry professionals.

✈️ From the edge of space to the runway, OAIRE researchers are developing, testing, and flying the next generation of aerospace systems.

We believe the best way to prepare future aerospace leaders is through hands-on experience; giving students opportunities to fly, test, explore, and innovate alongside industry, government, and academic partners.

If you're attending the AIAA AVIATION Forum 2026, stop by Booth 320 to learn how OAIRE is advancing aerospace research, workforce development, and real-world flight testing.

AIAA - The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics

OAIRE members of the PHASM team recently participated in a panel at the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums Annual Meeting, held May 5–7 at Dolphin Quest Hawaii.

The panel highlighted ongoing efforts to advance noninvasive marine mammal health monitoring through uncrewed aircraft systems, including the development of PHASM: Passive Health Assessment in Sea Mammals. While at Dolphin Quest Hawaii, the team also performed a PHASM flight demonstration with marine mammal care professionals, providing an opportunity to share the system in action and discuss its potential role in supporting animal health and conservation. This work reflects the value of collaboration between engineers, biologists, veterinarians, and marine mammal care professionals as we continue exploring new tools to support animal health and conservation.

Thank you to AMMPA and Dolphin Quest Hawaii for the opportunity to share our work and engage with leaders across the marine mammal community.

Members of OAIRE recently traveled to Redstone Arsenal to discuss our Counter-UAS initiatives with the Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center. Through the OSU Counter-UAS Center of Excellence, we continue to support national efforts to protect against emerging drone threats both at home and abroad.

While in Huntsville, the team also had the opportunity to visit historic sites that helped launch America’s rocket program, including the Mercury-Redstone Test Stand. It's inspiring to see how facilities that played a role in the early days of U.S. spaceflight continue to support the testing of next-generation rocket propulsion systems today.

Join industry leaders, researchers, government partners, and unmanned systems professionals for a full day focused on the future of Counter-UAS emerging technologies shaping the industry.

August 11, 2026 - 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Hamm Institute for American Energy
300 NE 9th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104

This symposium will bring together experts from across aerospace, defense, public safety, and emerging technologies to discuss current challenges, real-world applications, and the future of counter-UAS operations.

Whether you work in defense, aviation, research, emergency response, or unmanned systems; this is an opportunity to connect, learn, and engage with leaders in the field.

Registration is now open - secure your spot today!
https://lnkd.in/ggpNMf68

The OAIRE team hosted a STEM camp in Lawton for 5th and 6th grade students to explore the exciting world of aerospace!

From rockets to drones, students had the opportunity to build their own drones, learn how they work, take them for a flight, and even troubleshoot issues along the way. Through hands-on activities, these young innovators gained valuable experience in engineering, problem-solving, and teamwork while discovering the many possibilities within the aerospace industry.

We loved seeing their creativity and enthusiasm take flight! ✈️

Join industry leaders, researchers, government partners, and unmanned systems professionals for a full day focused on the future of Counter-UAS emerging technologies shaping the industry.

August 11, 2026 - 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Hamm Institute for American Energy
300 NE 9th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104

This symposium will bring together experts from across aerospace, defense, public safety, and emerging technologies to discuss current challenges, real-world applications, and the future of counter-UAS operations.

Whether you work in defense, aviation, research, emergency response, or unmanned systems; this is an opportunity to connect, learn, and engage with leaders in the field.

Registration is now open - secure your spot today!

https://secure.touchnet.com/C20271_ustores/web/store_main.jsp?STOREID=161

We’re proud to share that Dr. Jamey Jacob, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education, was recently featured by NBC DFW, discussing groundbreaking technology aimed at detecting and stopping dangerous drone threats.

The story highlights how OAIRE and Oklahoma State University researchers are advancing counter-UAS technologies to improve public safety and protect critical operations from unauthorized drone activity.

From national security applications to cutting-edge aerospace innovation, OAIRE continues to lead in shaping the future of autonomous systems and airspace safety.

Read the full feature here:
https://www.nbcdfw.com/investigations/tech-research-stop-drone-threat-oklahoma-state-university-osu/4023715/?amp=1&utm_source=chatgpt.com

Counter-drone tools being tested ahead of World Cup matches, other large events Drones are a growing concern around packed stadiums. See what NBC 5 Investigates found at a counter-drone testing site in Oklahoma.

Collaboration in action!

OAIRE’s Richie Wolfe recently supported TECO-Westinghouse, one of our valued collaborators, as we continue working together to advance shared goals and strengthen industry connections. Collaboration with industry partners is essential to driving applied research, workforce development, and real-world solutions that create lasting impact.

We appreciate the continued partnership with TECO-Westinghouse and look forward to ongoing opportunities to work together.