Starfighters Space Inc. specializes in operating a privately owned fleet of operational Lockheed F-104 supersonic jets, primarily providing services to the United States Armed Forces. The company also offers specialized training programs for pilots and astronauts, along with comprehensive in-flight testing capabilities. They deliver tailored solutions across diverse sectors, including defense, civil, academic, and commercial industries, serving both private entities and public organizations. Additionally, Starfighters Space Inc. facilitates launch services and "Access to Space" capabilities for a broad clientele encompassing commercial enterprises, academic institutions, civil agencies, and government entities. The company further furnishes an advanced airborne testbed, essential for accelerating hypersonic research, development, and rigorous test and evaluation activities. Established in 2022, the company is headquartered in Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Starfighters and Vaya to Collaborate on Air-Launch and Captive Carry Projects
Starfighters Space and privately held Vaya Defense & Space signed a memorandum of understanding to explore collaboration on supersonic captive-carry flight testing and air-launch propulsion.
Under the first track, the companies plan to evaluate flying Vaya hypersonic test articles and other payloads on Starfighters' Wind Tunnel in the Sky service, which uses F-104 aircraft to expose hardware to sustained Mach 2+ flight conditions.
Under the second track, the parties will assess whether Vaya's throttleable, restartable Vortex-Hybrid engine is suitable for STARLAUNCH, Starfighters' air-launch system, beginning with suborbital missions.
The MOU is non-binding with no financial terms disclosed; it gives Starfighters access to Vaya's propulsion lab and precision machining facility, with both companies located only miles apart on Florida's Space Coast.