Jim Bridenstine explains Quantum Space's plans for Tulsa
Former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine says Tulsa could play a major role in the future of America's space industry as aerospace company Quantum Space prepares for rapid growth.
Q: What is Quantum Space?
Bridenstine said Quantum Space is focused on developing spacecraft capable of sustained maneuvering in orbit, a capability he believes will become increasingly important as nations rely more heavily on space-based assets.
"A lot of people don't realize every domain of warfare is dependent on space," Bridenstine said.
He pointed to communications, navigation, intelligence gathering, missile warning systems and other technologies that rely on satellites. As foreign adversaries develop ways to disrupt or destroy satellites, Bridenstine said the United States must build more resilient spacecraft capable of operating in contested environments.
"So think of a satellite that is less of a satellite, more of a spacecraft for high-energy maneuver capabilities because we have to be resilient against the enemy," he said.
Q: Why is Quantum Space going public?
Bridenstine said the company needs faster access to capital as demand for space-based defense capabilities grows.
According to Bridenstine, the U.S. Space Force budget continues to expand as policymakers recognize emerging threats in space. Going public will allow Quantum Space to raise funds more quickly and pursue acquisitions that can help accelerate growth.
"What we have to do as a company to respond to our customer, the U.S. Space Force, is also move fast," Bridenstine said.
He said the move is ultimately about speed and ensuring the company can rapidly develop and deploy new spacecraft technologies.
Q: What does the announcement mean for Tulsa?
Bridenstine said Tulsa is expected to become a key manufacturing hub for Quantum Space as the company scales production.
The company currently builds satellites in small quantities but expects manufacturing needs to increase significantly in the coming years.
"We're going to be growing large-scale manufacturing here in Tulsa," Bridenstine said.
He said the company eventually expects to produce satellites in much larger numbers, requiring additional facilities and a growing workforce.
Q: Why was Tulsa selected for expansion?
Bridenstine pointed to Tulsa's established aerospace industry, workforce development programs and engineering talent.
He praised Tulsa Tech for helping train future workers and said many skills used in Oklahoma's oil and gas industry translate well to aerospace manufacturing.
"We've got an aerospace workforce second to none," Bridenstine said.
The company plans to continue operating engineering and development functions in Maryland and maintain a presence in California near Space Systems Command, the acquisition arm of the U.S. Space Force. Tulsa, however, is expected to play a central role in future manufacturing operations.
Q: What opportunities could the expansion create?
Bridenstine said the company's growth plans will require additional workers and larger facilities.
"We've got to have a big facility. We've got to have jobs. We've got to have people. We need talent," he said.
While the company has not announced specific hiring numbers, Bridenstine said Tulsa's workforce and central location make it an attractive place for long-term growth.
Artemis III astronauts announced
Bridenstine also shared his thoughts on NASA's newly announced Artemis III crew, which is expected to participate in the agency's next mission to the moon.
He highlighted veteran astronaut Frank Rubio, an Army helicopter pilot and physician who holds the record for the longest single spaceflight by an American at approximately 371 days.
Bridenstine said Rubio was part of NASA's newest astronaut class during his time as administrator, making the selection especially meaningful.
He also praised veteran astronaut Randy Bresnik, a former Marine Corps pilot and multiple-time International Space Station crew member.
Bridenstine noted the mission will include an Italian astronaut with previous spaceflight experience and astronaut Andre Douglas, who will be making his first space mission.
"These are great Americans, very experienced," Bridenstine said.
