Starfighters Space and Blackstar Orbital Partner to Advance Flight Testing of Reusable Hypersonic Space Systems

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Enables real-world flight testing of Blackstar’s reusable hypersonic “SpaceDrone” using Starfighters’ F-104 aircraft

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WASHINGTON — Starfighters Space, Inc. (“Starfighters” or the “Company”) (NYSE American: FJET), the innovative aerospace company, owner and operator of the world’s largest fleet of commercial supersonic aircraft, announced today during the Satellite 2026 conference, a strategic partnership with Blackstar Orbital, a company pioneering advanced Return-to-Earth satellites to support the development and flight testing of next-generation reusable space systems.

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Advancing a New Class of Reusable Space Systems

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This multi-mission program is based on a Technical Interchange Agreement (TIA) focused on integrating Blackstar’s SpaceDrone vehicle with Starfighters’ F-104 aircraft platform; a key step in advancing the system from simulation to real-world flight testing. The expected supersonic captive carries will take place in Q4 FY26 and culminates with a high altitude, supersonic release modeling the post reentry flight trajectory of their “microshuttle” platform. This test will occur in the Eastern Range off the Florida Atlantic Coast.

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Blackstar Orbital is developing a lifting-body “SpaceDrone,” designed to operate as a reusable, hypersonic satellite that can launch as a payload and return to Earth like a spaceplane. The collaboration with Starfighters enables early-stage aerodynamic validation and progressive flight testing of the system.

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Integration and Flight Test Approach

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As part of the initial agreement, Starfighters has provided a specialized BL75 pylon to serve as the structural interface between the F-104 and the SpaceDrone. This integration hardware enables captive carry and eventual release testing, supporting a phased flight test program.

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Testing will begin with underwing captive carry flights to validate aerodynamic performance against simulation and wind tunnel models. Upon successful validation, the program is expected to progress to high-speed release tests over ocean ranges, with potential expansion to overland testing as the system matures.

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Building Toward Operational Flight Services

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“This partnership highlights the role Starfighters plays in bridging the gap between concept and flight for next-generation aerospace systems,” said Tim Franta, CEO of Starfighters Space. “Blackstar is developing a highly differentiated approach to reusable space platforms, and our F-104 fleet provides a proven, high-performance environment to test and validate those systems in real-world conditions.”

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“Access to Starfighters’ flight test platform allows us to accelerate development of our SpaceDrone and move into flight validation with confidence,” said Christopher Jannette, CEO of Blackstar Orbital. “This collaboration is a critical step in demonstrating a new class of reusable, hypersonic satellite systems.”

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The Technical Interchange Agreement establishes a framework for ongoing collaboration, with both companies expecting the relationship to evolve into a broader flight services engagement as testing progresses, supporting future mission execution and expanded program scope.

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“Together, these initiatives reflect Starfighters’ broader strategy of leveraging its supersonic fleet to support air launch, hypersonic testing, advanced research, and specialized flight services across government and commercial markets,” concluded Mr. Franta.

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About Starfighters Space, Inc.

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Starfighters Space, Inc. is the only commercial company in the world with the ability to fly payloads at sustained MACH 2+ and with the capability to launch those payloads to space. Starfighters Space is an organization committed to participating in high-demand commercial space activities. Located at the NASA Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Company operates a fleet of modified supersonic aircraft operationally configurable to act as the first stage lifting platform to carry payloads up to 45,000 feet for air launch to space. Additional activities include support research, pilot training, space flight training, and advanced scientific efforts including hypersonic testing as part of air launch partner development programs. Starfighters Space is working to position its capability to become the most cost-effective launch provider in the sector.

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About Blackstar Orbital Technologies, Inc.

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Blackstar Orbital Technologies Corporation is a pioneering aerospace company developing a highly differentiated approach to reusable space platforms, known as SpaceDrones that launch like traditional payloads and return to Earth like spaceplanes. The company is redefining space access by replacing the disposable satellite model with reusable, modular platforms that reduce cost, increase flexibility, and enable rapid mission turnaround. Blackstar’s technology supports a wide range of applications, including defense, intelligence, scientific research, communications, and commercial payload deployment. With a focus on responsive space and rapid reconstitution, its systems are designed to deliver real-time insights, tactical advantages, and mission adaptability in both commercial and national security environments. By integrating reusable infrastructure with advanced propulsion and edge computing capabilities, Blackstar Orbital is building a scalable bridge between orbit and Earth. Its vision is to enable a future where thousands of reusable spacecraft operate in low Earth orbit, unlocking a more sustainable, efficient, and accessible space economy.