Operations

AIR LAUNCH PLATFORM

Dedicated Launch by Starfighters F-104 provides reliable access to space.

Launch RELIABILITY

US based launch capability provides control over launch schedule and orbital destination; features not normally available with rideshare launch systems.

Domestic launch site offers protections under US law including environmental, safety, FAA, Space Force, and NASA oversight.

Timely launch capability is critical for commercial activity including constellation replenishment, yet more than half of all small to medium sized satellites launched in the last 5 years had delays up to 24 months.

Commercial Supersonic Flight

Starfighters Space is the only commercial company in the world that can fly at a sustained MACH 2. Starfighters Space is in a unique position because of the F-104’s unequaled speed and altitude capability.

Hypersonic Development

We fly payloads including new technologies such as hypersonics for national security research. While we can fly at MACH 2, we are in development of a rocket that will achieve speeds of MACH 5, the minimum speed for hypersonic flight, that would be air-launched from the F-104.

Air Launch SPACE Capability

The STARLAUNCH is initially based on the proven envelope of the AIM120 AMRAAM-based SILA-class rocket, an underwing launched guided missile, with over 17,500 built.

Access to Resources

With over 2,600 F-104’s produced in several models, replacement parts and expertise are available to maintain the airframes through their design lifespan to 2035.

STARLAUNCH I / II

Starfighters Innovative Launch Alliance: Unique satellite delivery vehicles.

STARLAUNCH I

Starfighters' first proprietary design air-launch satellite delivery rocket.

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STARLAUNCH II

Starfighters' next generation rocket and a perfect multiple payload launcher

STARLAUNCH II will be a mass-manufactured rocket designed by Starfighters Space capable of reliable transport of satellites and other space cargo into low Earth orbit. STARLAUNCH II will be capable of being launched by Starfighters fleet of F-104 fighter jets for the most efficient and cost-effective small payload rocket in the world.

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STARLAUNCH I & II

Starfighters Innovative Launch Alliance: Unique satellite delivery vehicles.

STARLAUNCH I

Starfighters’ first efficiently designed, sized, and reusable rocket

STARLAUNCH I is a mass-manufactured reusable one-stage rocket designed by Starfighters Space capable of reliable transport of satellites and other space cargo into low Earth orbit at speeds up to Mach 2. STARLAUNCH I is capable of being launched by Starfighters fleet of F-104 fighter jets for the most efficient and cost-effective small payload rocket in the world.

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STARLAUNCH II

Starfighters’ first hypersonic rocket and a perfect constellation launcher.

STARLAUNCH II will be a mass-manufactured reusable one-stage rocket designed by Starfighters Space capable of reliable transport of satellites and other space cargo into low Earth orbit at speeds up to Mach 5. STARLAUNCH II will be capable of being launched by Starfighters fleet of F-104 fighter jets for the most efficient and cost-effective small payload rocket in the world.

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STARLAUNCH I & II ORBITAL INSERTION CONCEPT

Starfighters F-104 launches and climbs at MACH 2
45,000’ launch of STARLAUNCH I (current) or STARLAUNCH II (future)
STARLAUNCH I boosts to suborbital altitude & deploys micro-sat(s)
STARLAUNCH II boosts to low earth orbit & deploys small-sat(s)
Starfighters F-104 lands, refuels, reloads for addt’l missions

HYPERSONIC DEVELOPMENT

Hypersonic rockets and projectiles travel at between 5 and 25 times the speed of sound – about 1 to 5 miles per second.

1. Congressional Research Service Hypersonic Weapons Report dated July 20, 2022

ADVANCED PILOT TRAINING

Under a Letter of Deviation Authority (LODA) from the FAA, Starfighters is now able to offer F-104 flight training to qualified licensed pilots. This limited-access training is designed to enhance confidence and flight safety through comprehensive ground training sessions and back-seat flight operations in the controlled airspace above NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Here are the basic requirements:

Must have at least a private pilot’s license (PPL)
Must have a valid flight medical
Must meet height and weight limitations
Must be at least 18 years of age
Must qualify for access badging to NASA Kennedy Space Center
Must sign a release-of-liability agreement

This course covers the fundamentals of flying the legendary F-104, an aircraft that made aviation history with speed and altitude records, its service as a trainer for NASA’s Mercury and Apollo astronauts, and as a multi-role international military warbird. Starfighters will provide one-on-one instruction to ensure a thorough understanding of the aircraft systems, flying characteristics, and important safety issues. Here’s a checklist describing what is needed and what is provided.

For more information and to make a reservation please contact us: