Quantum Space, a defense and space operations company, announced plans to build a manufacturing facility in Tulsa.
According to state findings, Oklahoma's Aerospace and Defense industry is its second-largest and fastest-growing.
WATCH: JOBS FOR TULSA: Quantum Space announces new manufacturing facility, will benefit Space Force
Quantum is hoping to grow it even more.
The facility is expected to create 50 high-skilled jobs and produce the Ranger spacecraft, which will be used for both defense and commercial missions, specifically with the U.S. Space Force.
Hiring is expected to begin this month with roles including engineering, precision manufacturing, quality inspection, and operations support. Quantum Space expects to hire more employees as operations expand.
2 News spoke to fourth graders students with the Lincoln Christian School who said they want to learn more about space.
"Learning more about it because that's like one of the only things that like people here on Earth don't know as much about," said one student.
Kids are also having fun learning as much as they can.
“We’re making rockets and we’re designing them," said another student.
Quantum Space will move into the former Spartan manufacturing facility near Tulsa International Airport, but they intend to move into a temporary space this year.
"With its new and existing infrastructure, deep aerospace heritage, and skilled workforce, expanding our manufacturing to Oklahoma was an obvious choice," said CEO Jim Bridenstine.
Bridenstine previously served as NASA's administrator.
He said he's excited to see Tulsa and Oklahoma overall, grow.
“We need to do things differently in space," he said. "We need to proliferate the architectures. Instead of building dozens of satellites that are multi billions of dollars, we need to build thousands of satellites."
Like many other leaders, he also agrees today's children are the key to helping spur that growth.
CEO of the Tulsa Airport Alexis Higgins echoed the statement.
“It gives them a pathway to play a part right here in Tulsa,Oklahoma" she said. "They don’t have to go anywhere else, and their future could be part of the future that I’ve experienced as a lifelong Tulsan.”
Quantum Space is headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, and its propulsion and test capabilities are in Hawthorne, California.
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