Starfighters Space Joins C-STARS Research Center
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Apr 22 2026
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Should l Buy FJET?
Starfighters Space announced that it has joined the Center for Science, Technology, and Advanced Research in Space, C-STARS, a proposed National Science Foundation, NSF, Industry-University Cooperative Research Center, IUCRC, focused on advancing space manufacturing and training the next generation of space technology professionals.
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About FJET
Starfighters Space, Inc. operates the commercial fleet of flight-ready F-104 supersonic aircraft (Lockheed F-104). The Lockheed F-104 is developed as a supersonic aircraft for the United States Armed Forces. Supersonic flights capable of flying at MACH 2 with air-launch rockets in development through the Starfighters STARLAUNCH program. The Lockheed F-104 also performed many safety chase missions in support of advanced research aircraft and provided a launch platform for sounding rockets. The Company organizes its services into various categories: historical services and new services. Its historical services include pilot and astronaut training, launch services and access to space, and in-flight testing. Its new services include launch services and access to space (commercial, academic, civil and government clients), and airborne testbed for hypersonic research and development (R&D) and test and evaluation (T&E) test bed (commercial, academic, civil and government).
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Surging Hypersonic Demand: The U.S. Department of Defense's procurement patterns indicate that the development of hypersonic weapons and propulsion systems is outpacing the construction of necessary testing infrastructure, prompting Starfighters Space to swiftly respond by offering its F-104 aircraft as a testing platform.
- Infrastructure Lag: NASA's recent completion of its first new wind tunnel in over 40 years highlights the emphasis on wind tunnel construction in defense budgets, while Starfighters' F-104 platform can provide immediate testing capabilities to bridge this infrastructure gap.
- Solid Customer Base: Starfighters Space boasts a client list that includes major players like Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, underscoring its strong market position in the defense and aerospace sectors, and it is expected to benefit from the upcoming demand for hypersonic testing.
- Operational Footprint Expansion: With operational bases established at Kennedy Space Center in Florida and Midland International Air & Space Port in Texas, Starfighters enhances its competitive edge in the hypersonic testing market, ensuring it can meet the growing customer demand.
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- Surge in Material Demand: In 2026, demand for aerospace and defense thermoplastic composites surged by 32% year-over-year to $731 million, highlighting a supply chain gap that may funnel capital toward companies positioned to address this mismatch.
- Expanded Technical Collaboration: Starfighters Space has broadened its technical interchange agreement with Blackstar Orbital to include vehicle integration and wind tunnel testing, enhancing their collaborative potential in hypersonic spacecraft development, which could accelerate time-to-market for new products.
- Optimistic Market Outlook: Karman reported a fiscal year 2025 revenue of $471.5 million, up 36.6%, and raised its 2026 revenue outlook to $715 million to $730 million, reflecting strong growth trends in the defense and space markets that may attract more investor interest.
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- Market Reaction Outlook: Given the disappointing financial data, the market is expected to adopt a cautious stance towards Starfighters Space's future performance, potentially leading to downward pressure on stock prices and affecting the company's competitive position in the aerospace sector.
- Need for Strategic Adjustment: In light of ongoing financial losses and cash flow shortages, the company may need to reassess its business strategy to ensure sustainable growth and attract the attention of potential investors.
See More
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- Unique Market Position: As the only commercial entity capable of flying payloads at sustained MACH 2+ and launching them into space, Starfighters Space occupies a unique market position in high-demand commercial space activities, likely attracting more clients and partnerships.
- Operational Capability Enhancement: Located at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the company operates modified supersonic aircraft capable of carrying payloads to 45,000 feet for air launch, further solidifying its goal to become the most cost-effective launch service provider in the sector.
- Caution on Forward-Looking Statements: The company emphasizes that all forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ significantly from expectations, advising investors to exercise caution regarding future predictions and plans.
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- Annual Report Submission: On April 16, 2026, Starfighters Space, Inc. filed its annual report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, with the SEC, fulfilling NYSE American requirements, which enhances company transparency and investor confidence through the inclusion of audited financial statements and management analysis.
- Unique Market Positioning: As the only commercial entity capable of flying payloads at sustained MACH 2+ and launching them into space, Starfighters' technological edge positions it favorably in high-demand commercial space activities, likely attracting more clients and partnerships.
- Operational Base Advantage: Located at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the company utilizes modified supersonic aircraft as a first-stage launch platform, capable of lifting payloads to 45,000 feet for air launch, further solidifying its competitive edge in the space launch market.
- Future Growth Potential: Starfighters is working to become the most cost-effective launch service provider in the sector, and as market demand for satellite launches increases, the company is poised for sustainable growth through diversified revenue streams and technological innovation.
See More
U.S. Accelerates Development of Hypersonic Test Platforms
- Surging Hypersonic Demand: The U.S. Department of Defense's procurement patterns indicate that the development of hypersonic weapons and propulsion systems is outpacing the construction of necessary testing infrastructure, prompting Starfighters Space to swiftly respond by offering its F-104 aircraft as a testing platform.
- Infrastructure Lag: NASA's recent completion of its first new wind tunnel in over 40 years highlights the emphasis on wind tunnel construction in defense budgets, while Starfighters' F-104 platform can provide immediate testing capabilities to bridge this infrastructure gap.
- Solid Customer Base: Starfighters Space boasts a client list that includes major players like Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, underscoring its strong market position in the defense and aerospace sectors, and it is expected to benefit from the upcoming demand for hypersonic testing.
- Operational Footprint Expansion: With operational bases established at Kennedy Space Center in Florida and Midland International Air & Space Port in Texas, Starfighters enhances its competitive edge in the hypersonic testing market, ensuring it can meet the growing customer demand.
See More
U.S. Space Force Budget Reaches $71 Billion
- Significant Budget Increase: The U.S. Space Force's budget has reached $71 billion, with $40 billion allocated for research and development of new space infrastructure, indicating a strong demand for advanced technologies that could boost stock prices of related companies.
- Surge in Material Demand: In 2026, demand for aerospace and defense thermoplastic composites surged by 32% year-over-year to $731 million, highlighting a supply chain gap that may funnel capital toward companies positioned to address this mismatch.
- Expanded Technical Collaboration: Starfighters Space has broadened its technical interchange agreement with Blackstar Orbital to include vehicle integration and wind tunnel testing, enhancing their collaborative potential in hypersonic spacecraft development, which could accelerate time-to-market for new products.
- Optimistic Market Outlook: Karman reported a fiscal year 2025 revenue of $471.5 million, up 36.6%, and raised its 2026 revenue outlook to $715 million to $730 million, reflecting strong growth trends in the defense and space markets that may attract more investor interest.
See More
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- Shooting for the Stars: Starfighters Space (NYSE:FJET) rang the NYSE Opening Bell on February 20 and expanded its hypersonic flight test program, joining an NSF-backed space manufacturing research consortium, indicating an accelerating strategic positioning in the commercial space sector.
- Avaí Bio Production Milestone: Avaí Bio (OTCQB:AVAI) initiated GMP production of a Master Cell Bank for its α-Klotho anti-aging therapy on March 3, and will present the latest data at the Klotho Conference in September, marking a critical transition from concept to clinical application that could attract increased investor interest.
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See More
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- Poor Financial Performance: Starfighters Space's released financial report indicates a FY GAAP EPS of -$0.76, highlighting significant challenges in profitability that could undermine investor confidence and future funding capabilities.
- Decreased Cash Flow: As of December 31, 2025, the company reported cash reserves of $4.58 million, a substantial drop from $7.05 million on December 31, 2024, indicating increased liquidity pressure that may constrain operational and expansion capabilities.
- Market Reaction Outlook: Given the disappointing financial data, the market is expected to adopt a cautious stance towards Starfighters Space's future performance, potentially leading to downward pressure on stock prices and affecting the company's competitive position in the aerospace sector.
- Need for Strategic Adjustment: In light of ongoing financial losses and cash flow shortages, the company may need to reassess its business strategy to ensure sustainable growth and attract the attention of potential investors.
See More
Starfighters Space Files Annual Report with SEC
- Annual Report Filing: Starfighters Space, Inc. has filed its annual report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, in compliance with NYSE American requirements, which includes audited financial statements and management's discussion, enhancing company transparency and boosting investor confidence.
- Unique Market Position: As the only commercial entity capable of flying payloads at sustained MACH 2+ and launching them into space, Starfighters Space occupies a unique market position in high-demand commercial space activities, likely attracting more clients and partnerships.
- Operational Capability Enhancement: Located at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the company operates modified supersonic aircraft capable of carrying payloads to 45,000 feet for air launch, further solidifying its goal to become the most cost-effective launch service provider in the sector.
- Caution on Forward-Looking Statements: The company emphasizes that all forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ significantly from expectations, advising investors to exercise caution regarding future predictions and plans.
See More
Starfighters Space Files Annual Report for 2025
- Annual Report Submission: On April 16, 2026, Starfighters Space, Inc. filed its annual report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, with the SEC, fulfilling NYSE American requirements, which enhances company transparency and investor confidence through the inclusion of audited financial statements and management analysis.
- Unique Market Positioning: As the only commercial entity capable of flying payloads at sustained MACH 2+ and launching them into space, Starfighters' technological edge positions it favorably in high-demand commercial space activities, likely attracting more clients and partnerships.
- Operational Base Advantage: Located at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the company utilizes modified supersonic aircraft as a first-stage launch platform, capable of lifting payloads to 45,000 feet for air launch, further solidifying its competitive edge in the space launch market.
- Future Growth Potential: Starfighters is working to become the most cost-effective launch service provider in the sector, and as market demand for satellite launches increases, the company is poised for sustainable growth through diversified revenue streams and technological innovation.
See More
