As 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.
The company recently delivered its Q1 2024 update and provided an updated industry outlook for 2024 to shareholders. Founder and CEO Svetkoff emphasized the Company’s growth, stating, “With new contracts, fleet upgrades, and spaceport expansion opportunities, we are building a strong foundation on the ground to enable execution in the sky. We are now transitioning from planning to executing on various critical initiatives.”
Management reported progress across several key areas, including:
– Transition to Phase II of the “HyCat” Initiative: The Company has moved into the demonstration phase of high-cadence operations, aiming to become a commercialized delivery partner for federal agencies, offering access to Starfighters’ resources through a simple purchase order.
– Negotiations with an Airforce Base: The Company is working on an agreement to provide airborne testing platform capabilities for strategic, and potentially tactical, initiatives, enhancing its testing capabilities.
– 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.
– Appointment of David Whitney as CFO: The Company has hired David Whitney as its Chief Financial Officer. Whitney brings a wealth of experience in raising capital, evaluating growth opportunities, and structuring deals, and has played a pivotal role in the Company’s recent financial efforts.
– Completion of PCAOB Audit: Starfighters completed a PCAOB audit of its 2022 and 2023 financial statements, marking a major milestone. The audit was conducted by Adeptus Partners, LLC, a seasoned CPA and business management firm.
– Increased Pipeline Due to Federal Budget Approval: Following the Senate’s approval of the $1.2 trillion government funding bill in March 2024, the Company has seen heightened interest from government entities in its services.
Director of Development Tim Franta noted, “It has been rewarding to see the increased interest in the Starfighters Platform from both government and commercial sectors. We are witnessing growth in demand for our testing platform and are increasingly optimistic about the adoption of Platform II.” CEO Svetkoff concluded by highlighting the Company’s dual focus on mission success and market demand. “We are responsibly increasing our capabilities in line with demand, and our partners view the evolution of Platform II as a game changer.” For more informsation about Starfighter AErospace, visit www.starfightersspace.com.
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Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
Did any of Starfighters F-104 fleet completed a successful mission into space delivering a satellite?
Not yet…