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Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Space research plane to be stationed in Oklahoma
BURNS FLAT, Okla. (KFOR) – A high-flying, rocket-powered, remote-piloted plane is making its way to Oklahoma in a couple of years, and it's all set to be used for space research. 'This is a game changer,' Executive Director of the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority Craig J. Smith said. LOCAL NEWS: Developer proposes converting half-empty OKC office towers into apartments Beautiful views from the final frontier, and the plane bringing the image to your screen is soon to be stationed in Oklahoma. 'This partnership of Dawn Aerospace will establish Oklahoma as leading the future in space access in the United States,' Smith said. It's 'The Aurora' from Dawn Aerospace, a company based in New Zealand. They're partnering with the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority to deliver it to Burns Flat, where the state air and space port is. Only 10 states across the country have ports like that. 'We were the very first spaceport located inland in a landlocked state. So ours is designed for horizontal takeoffs and landings,' Smith said. It's rocket-powered, remote-piloted, and rapidly reusable. In only 4 hours, it's ready to fly again, which sets it up to be the first aircraft to reach something called the Karman line, the boundary of Earth's atmosphere and space, 62 miles high, twice in a day. 'Literally no vehicle that's ever been designed that can do this,' founder and CEO of Dawn Aerospace Stefan Powell said. LOCAL NEWS: Kevin Durant's former OKC townhome up for sale, listing price $35 It's main use is for microgravity research. They do that for things that are hard to study on earth due to gravity's influence. Applied to several fields, it can lead to big discoveries, whether that be drugs for cancer research or even technology like chips in your phone. 'That has just huge implications for how fast we can use space to improve our lives,' Powell said. 'You know, it makes science go faster.' A Dawn Aerospace team will be hired in Oklahoma and trained in New Zealand to operate the plane back in the Sooner State. They plan to provide parts and maintenance to keep it going. The plane is expected to be delivered in 2027, with a flight taking place that same year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Exploring Topeka's oldest businesses and their lasting legacy
TOPEKA (KSNT) – 27 News is looking at some Topeka businesses that have survived the test of time this week. We combed through online directories and cross-referenced older publications to build a list of businesses that have been operating for over 100 years. The Topeka Cemetery may be the oldest business in Topeka still in operation today. It was established in January 1859 and later incorporated in October 1877. Superintendent Lisa Ford said when Topeka's founders saw the city was growing faster than anticipated, the city cemetery at 10th Street and Kansas Avenue was moved to the Topeka Cemetery. Ford said Topekans didn't want a cemetery in the center of town, so a donation was made by Dr. Franklin Crane to build the Topeka Cemetery. Ford said that in recent years, bones were found at the original city cemetery site at 10th Street and Kansas Avenue; she said those bones were later repatriated to the Topeka Cemetery. 'We were originally designated a cemetery,' Ford said. 'It's never been anything else; it has always been occupied by someone residing in the cemetery; it's changed hands several different times.' Topeka author publishes third book in series Rhonda Jensen is the owner of Reuters Shoes, a business that has been operating since 1880. Jensen said there has always been a need for shoe repair, which has given her business longevity, but noted the business has had to adapt to the times. '[We] work with problematic feet, that's how we've had the same business,' Jensen said. 'Back when polio was a big deal in the 50s and 60s, a lot of the shoe repair people collaborated with the doctors. It kind of evolved. Polio is pretty much gone now, but now we have diabetes, which is a pandemic; there are about 38 million diabetics in the country.' Jensen said the COVID-19 pandemic nearly killed her business. She said customers had a hard time seeing their doctors to be prescribed pedorthic remedies. 'I'm still struggling from the pandemic; we were basically closed for two years,' Jensen said. Junction City Eagle Scout cleans community skate park Joseph Frobisher, the owner of The Aurora at Vinewood, said it's going on 150 years in business. Frobisher said The Aurora at Vinewood has been many things over the years. He said it started as an amusement park and has been a roadhouse, dancehall and event venue at different times over the years. 'We hosted the Capper Foundation for a fundraiser, they were telling us Mr. Capper used to throw his birthday party there,' Frobisher said. 'He would trolly people out. They would trolly everyone back.' Frobisher said The Aurora at Vinewood has changed over time to fit the needs of the community. He said one of the most important things for the business is community involvement. 'We host a lot of nonprofit fundraisers because it's a way for us to plug ourselves back into the community,' Frobisher said. 'I think community involvement is critically important.' Gov. Kelly proclaims April as Kansas Safe Digging Month 27 News compiled a list of some of the oldest businesses in the Capital City in the table below. Have we missed any? Let us know by contacting Year Company Service 1859 Topeka Cemetery Cemetery 1876 Topeka Foundry & Iron Works Foundry 1880 Reuters Shoes Shoe Store 1890 The Aurora at Vinewood Wedding Services 1893 Newcomer Funeral Services Funeral services 1893 Capitol Federal Financial Banking & financial services 1894 Penwell-Gable Funeral Home Funeral services 1900 Johnson Storage Moving service 1904 Family Service & Guidance Center Family Service & Guidance 1909 Einsteins Outdoor supplies 1914 Senne Co. General contractor 1916 Brennan Mathena Funeral Services Funeral services For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
