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Space Delivery: An Exclusive Look Inside a Space Coast Company's Unconventional Launch Strategy
The company says the air-launched approach could cut fuel use and lower costs as demand for small satellite launches tops $69 billion by 2030, Frost & Sullivan said.
- Based at Kennedy Space Center, Starfighters Space plans to air-launch small satellites using the F-104 fighter jet, carrying rockets beneath the aircraft before releasing them at high altitude to reduce costs.
- Reaching 40,000 feet at 1,200 miles per hour requires only 300 gallons of fuel, providing an efficient alternative to the giant rockets used by traditional launch competitors.
- Starfighters Space CEO Tim Franta emphasizes 20 years of safe operations, calling the process "Steps to space" and noting the F-104s are "the last flying ones in the world."
- Frost and Sullivan projects the small satellite launch market will exceed $69 billion by 2030, while Franta describes their service as "Uber Eats" for space, delivering small payloads inexpensively to specific spots.
- Following its December public offering, Starfighters Space now focuses on reaching Earth orbit, currently preparing drop tests to validate the aircraft release system before beginning powered launches.
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Leaning Left0Leaning Right0Center27Last UpdatedBias Distribution100% Center
Bias Distribution
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C 100%
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