Starfighter Aerospace Continues to Soar and InnovateAs we reported, in the last couple of years, Starfighter Aerospace has ramped up its training and flight operations at Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island, Florida.The company, which fields a fleet of former Italian Air Force Lockheed/Aeritailia F-104 Starfighters, landed a series of missions and cooperation agreements with other organizations that had spurred this activity. Starfighters Space Inc., headquartered at Kennedy Space Center operates the only commercial fleet of aircraft capable of flying at sustained MACH 2 and launching payloads at altitude.
– Advancements in the StarLaunch I Program: After completing the captive carry test, Starfighters has scheduled the drop test for its StarLaunch I platform in September 2024. This test marks the final major physical hurdle before review and authorization to launch. It will also contribute to the development of Platform II, as many core components are shared between both platforms.
– Development of StarLaunch Platform II: In response to growing demand for space access and hypersonic testing, the Company continues to develop its StarLaunch II platform. Management identified the mission-critical components and expects to acquire them in 2024. In Q1, 2024, the Company shared details with key partners and potential customers, receiving a highly positive response. The Company plans to increase its fleet size and payload capacity by Q4 2024.
I think this would be better placed in this thread.https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=37698.msg1381522#msg1381522
Quote from: catdlr on 09/17/2024 04:26 amI think this would be better placed in this thread.https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=37698.msg1381522#msg1381522I had considered that, but it seems they're planning to air-launch payloads into space - not just join Hypersonics conga line.
The Kennedy Space Center-based research, test, and now space launch company Starfighters International, which has been flying F-104 Starfighters privately for decades is now, is in the process of acquiring a dozen F-4 Phantoms. The deal would see the iconic third-generation Cold War fighters fly primarily in service of the firm’s space launch operations, which aim to provide rapid and flexible access to low Earth orbit (LEO) for small satellites, as well as suborbital offerings.
About two months later, on March 4, Starfighters proudly reported that we completed the external surface (outer skin) engineering of our StarLaunch I test article in partnership with GE Aerospace’s Innoveering division.This meant that the simulation testing of the StarLaunch design could begin, providing insights into aerodynamics, stability, and control in simulated flight environments. These tests will validate the engineering approach before manufacturing, ensuring efficient integration with Starfighters’ existing systems.The Company is on track for flight testing underwing as early as this summer (H2 2025). Subject to securing requisite regulatory approvals and adequate funding, Starfighters now targets our first commercial launch by year-end 2025.
As of Q1 2025, Starfighters’ Regulation A Tier 2 offering brought in a total of about $18 million in gross proceeds. But as of June 2, 2025, Starfighters’ Regulation A Tier 2 offering brought in total commitments of over $23 million. The use of funds is as allocated in the “Use of Funds” section of the offering circular, as supplement from time to time, forming part of our Form 1-A offering statement, and includes research and development, asset improvements, pilot training, and general corporate purposes.
The expansion to Midland is part of a broader growth strategy, not a relocation. Starfighters will continue to operate from its established base at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where it has long supported commercial and government testing missions. By adding a second operational hub, the company aims to increase its capacity, improve flexibility for customers, and bolster the United States’ hypersonic testing capabilities.
In partnership with the Midland Development Corporation (MDC), Starfighters has committed to bringing at least $78 million in assets to the spaceport by December 2027. This includes the relocation of three TF-104 jets—specially modified variants of the iconic Cold War-era interceptor that are capable of sustained Mach 2 flight.
GE Aerospace today announced the successful supersonic captive carry flight tests of its Atmospheric Test of Launched Airbreathing System (ATLAS) Flight Test Vehicle, marking a major milestone in advancing solid fuel ramjet (SFRJ) propulsion technology.“This marks a pivotal moment for GE Aerospace as we showcase our solid fuel ramjet technology in flight for the first time,” said Mark Rettig, vice president & general manager of Edison Works Business & Technology Development at GE Aerospace. “Captive carry testing of reusable flight test hardware allows for more frequent testing in realistic atmospheric conditions to better understand system behavior.”As part of the ATLAS program, the system was carried aloft on a Starfighters F-104 aircraft. The test campaign included three successful flights, with the system reaching supersonic speeds.The ATLAS project was funded by the Department of War via Title III of the Defense Production Act to scale up the technology for air-breathing propulsion to extend the range of munitions. This phase of ATLAS is designed to showcase and validate the key performance capabilities of solid fuel ramjets during flight, offering essential insights for future systems requiring enhanced speed, range, and responsiveness. These tests represent just one pillar of GE Aerospace’s broader investments in advanced high speed and hypersonic propulsion technologies. The company acquired Innoveering in 2022 to accelerate its hypersonics portfolio and announced significant test infrastructure upgrades earlier this year at its Evendale, Ohio; Bohemia, New York; and Niskayuna, New York facilities. These enhancements will enable higher-Mach, mission-relevant testing at a scale not previously possible.
