Hypersonic Testing Is Moving From Wind Tunnels to the Sky

Starfighters Space CEO Tim Franta described the company's dual business strategy: using a fleet of F-104 aircraft for high-speed research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) services focused on hypersonic component testing, and developing STARLAUNCH vehicles for small-payload suborbital and orbital launch services. The company targets underserved small-satellite and experimental markets while emphasizing safety and regulatory compliance.