Starfighters Space Partners with Blackstar Orbital for Hypersonic Testing
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 1 hour ago
0mins
Should l Buy LUNR?
Source: PRnewswire
- Strategic Partnership: Starfighters Space has signed a Technical Interchange Agreement with Blackstar Orbital to advance flight testing of next-generation reusable hypersonic space systems, with captive carry flights expected in Q4 FY26, marking a significant innovation milestone in aerospace.
- Integration Advantage: By integrating Blackstar's SpaceDrone with its F-104 supersonic aircraft platform, Starfighters not only enhances testing efficiency but also provides a high-performance environment for validating future aerospace systems, further solidifying its leadership in the aerospace defense market.
- Market Potential: With the U.S. Space Force's budget reaching $40 billion this year and the Pentagon shifting decisively towards commercial solutions, this partnership positions Starfighters as a critical player in the rapidly growing hypersonic weapons development sector, attracting increased capital investment.
- Diversified Development Strategy: This collaboration complements Starfighters' operational expansion at Midland International Air & Space Port in Texas, showcasing the company's strategic positioning across multiple domains, including microgravity flight and hypersonic testing, thereby enhancing its competitive edge in the market.
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Analyst Views on LUNR
Wall Street analysts forecast LUNR stock price to rise
10 Analyst Rating
8 Buy
1 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 17.520
Low
9.50
Averages
17.74
High
25.00
Current: 17.520
Low
9.50
Averages
17.74
High
25.00
About LUNR
Intuitive Machines, Inc. is a space technology, infrastructure, and services company. It is a provider and supplier of space products and services that enable sustained robotic and human exploration to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Its services include delivery services, data transmission services, and infrastructure as a service. Its delivery services provide transportation and delivery of payloads, such as satellites, scientific instruments and cargo to various destinations in space, in addition to rideshare delivery and lunar surface access. Its data transmission services offerings include the collection, processing, and interpretation of space-based data, utilizing applications, such as command, control, communications, reconnaissance and prospecting. Its infrastructure as a service delivers space assets, performing tasks and making decisions without human intervention that are designed to perform essential functions, such as navigation, scientific data collection, and others.
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.
Starfighters Partners with Blackstar for Hypersonic Flight Testing
- Strategic Partnership: Starfighters Space has signed a Technical Interchange Agreement with Blackstar Orbital to advance flight testing of reusable hypersonic 'SpaceDrone' systems, with captive carry tests expected in Q4 FY26, marking a critical transition from simulation to real-world flight testing that could propel the development of a new class of reusable satellites.
- Flight Testing Initiative: This collaboration will utilize Starfighters' F-104 supersonic aircraft for manned flight tests, culminating in a high-altitude supersonic release that models the reentry flight trajectory of Blackstar's 'microshuttle' platform, further validating its performance in real-world conditions.
- Innovative Technical Interface: Starfighters has provided a specialized BL75 pylon as the structural interface between the F-104 and the SpaceDrone, enabling phased captive carry and eventual release testing, thereby enhancing its technical capabilities in the aerospace sector.
- Expanding Market Potential: With the U.S. Space Force budget reaching $40 billion, hypersonic testing and reusable space systems are emerging as one of the fastest-growing segments in the aerospace and defense market, and this partnership will further solidify Starfighters' position in this rapidly evolving landscape.
See More
Starfighters Space Partners with Blackstar Orbital for Hypersonic Testing
- Strategic Partnership: Starfighters Space has signed a Technical Interchange Agreement with Blackstar Orbital to advance flight testing of next-generation reusable hypersonic space systems, with captive carry flights expected in Q4 FY26, marking a significant innovation milestone in aerospace.
- Integration Advantage: By integrating Blackstar's SpaceDrone with its F-104 supersonic aircraft platform, Starfighters not only enhances testing efficiency but also provides a high-performance environment for validating future aerospace systems, further solidifying its leadership in the aerospace defense market.
- Market Potential: With the U.S. Space Force's budget reaching $40 billion this year and the Pentagon shifting decisively towards commercial solutions, this partnership positions Starfighters as a critical player in the rapidly growing hypersonic weapons development sector, attracting increased capital investment.
- Diversified Development Strategy: This collaboration complements Starfighters' operational expansion at Midland International Air & Space Port in Texas, showcasing the company's strategic positioning across multiple domains, including microgravity flight and hypersonic testing, thereby enhancing its competitive edge in the market.
See More
NASA Plans 30 Lunar Missions Over Three Years
- Successful Landing: On February 22, 2024, Intuitive Machines achieved the first uncrewed lunar landing in 50 years, despite the lander tipping over, marking a significant milestone in commercial space exploration and attracting investor interest.
- NASA's New Initiative: NASA plans to conduct 30 lunar missions starting in 2027, aiming for monthly launches to supply a future lunar base and conduct scientific experiments, demonstrating strong support for commercial space endeavors.
- Beneficiary Companies: Companies like Intuitive Machines, Firefly Aerospace, and Astrobotic are included in NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services program, positioning them to benefit significantly, especially in the development and operation of small lunar landers.
- Long-term Strategic Framework: NASA's plan unfolds in three phases, beginning with the Artemis II mission, followed by establishing a semi-permanent lunar base in 2029, and achieving crew presence by 2032, providing long-term commercial opportunities for involved companies.
See More
NASA Plans Monthly Moon Missions Starting 2027
- Moon Base Construction Plan: NASA plans to launch lunar missions monthly starting in 2027, aiming for 30 landings over three years to establish a semi-permanent Moon base by 2029, showcasing its long-term strategic vision in space exploration.
- Commercial Contract Opportunities: NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CPLS) program will provide contract opportunities for at least six space companies, including Intuitive Machines and Firefly Aerospace, which could yield significant commercial benefits for these firms in upcoming lunar missions.
- Investment Potential Emerges: With NASA's lunar mission plan expected to cost $10 billion, investors should pay attention to companies involved, such as Lockheed Martin and Astrobotic, which may benefit from this initiative and drive their stock prices higher.
- Technological Development Trends: NASA's plan is divided into three phases, with Phase 1 initiating the Artemis II crewed mission, followed by larger-scale lunar infrastructure development, indicating that future space exploration will increasingly rely on larger crewed vehicles, potentially reshaping the market landscape.
See More
NASA Revamps Space Exploration Plans Under Jared Isaacman
- Artemis Program Relaunch: NASA is set to implement the Artemis program over the next five years, with phase one costing $10 billion and involving at least 30 robotic lunar missions, culminating in a crewed moon landing in 2028, marking a significant return to lunar exploration for the U.S.
- Private Space Station Development: NASA plans to support private companies in building commercial space stations, with a government-owned core module to be attached to the existing International Space Station, ensuring safety before allowing independent operations, thus advancing the commercialization of low Earth orbit.
- Nuclear Spacecraft Initiative: NASA aims to launch the first nuclear-powered interplanetary spacecraft, Space Reactor-1 Freedom, in 2028, equipped with a 25-kilowatt nuclear reactor to explore Mars, showcasing NASA's innovative direction in space technology.
- International Collaboration and Infrastructure: In phases two and three of the Artemis program, NASA will collaborate with international partners to build lunar infrastructure, with total costs projected to reach $20 billion, laying a solid foundation for future lunar exploration.
See More
NASA's New Plans: Returning to the Moon and Exploring Mars
- Artemis Program Relaunch: NASA's new Artemis project is divided into three phases, with the first phase aiming to land two astronauts on the moon by 2028 at an estimated total cost of $20 billion, marking a significant return for the U.S. in space exploration.
- Robotic Mission Expansion: In phase one, NASA will conduct at least 30 robotic missions, utilizing Intuitive Machines' Nova-D lander for cargo delivery and equipment testing, supporting future lunar base construction and further advancing commercial space endeavors.
- International Space Station Plans: NASA will continue to support the construction of private commercial space stations, planning to attach a government-owned core module to the existing ISS to ensure safety and facilitate the formation of independent space stations, demonstrating ongoing commitment to low Earth orbit.
- Mars Exploration New Power: NASA plans to launch the first nuclear-powered interplanetary spacecraft, Space Reactor-1 Freedom, in 2028, carrying a 25-kilowatt nuclear reactor to Mars to deliver multiple drones for exploration, representing a significant advancement in space exploration technology.
See More
Starfighters Partners with Blackstar for Hypersonic Flight Testing
- Strategic Partnership: Starfighters Space has signed a Technical Interchange Agreement with Blackstar Orbital to advance flight testing of reusable hypersonic 'SpaceDrone' systems, with captive carry tests expected in Q4 FY26, marking a critical transition from simulation to real-world flight testing that could propel the development of a new class of reusable satellites.
- Flight Testing Initiative: This collaboration will utilize Starfighters' F-104 supersonic aircraft for manned flight tests, culminating in a high-altitude supersonic release that models the reentry flight trajectory of Blackstar's 'microshuttle' platform, further validating its performance in real-world conditions.
- Innovative Technical Interface: Starfighters has provided a specialized BL75 pylon as the structural interface between the F-104 and the SpaceDrone, enabling phased captive carry and eventual release testing, thereby enhancing its technical capabilities in the aerospace sector.
- Expanding Market Potential: With the U.S. Space Force budget reaching $40 billion, hypersonic testing and reusable space systems are emerging as one of the fastest-growing segments in the aerospace and defense market, and this partnership will further solidify Starfighters' position in this rapidly evolving landscape.
See More
Starfighters Space Partners with Blackstar Orbital for Hypersonic Testing
- Strategic Partnership: Starfighters Space has signed a Technical Interchange Agreement with Blackstar Orbital to advance flight testing of next-generation reusable hypersonic space systems, with captive carry flights expected in Q4 FY26, marking a significant innovation milestone in aerospace.
- Integration Advantage: By integrating Blackstar's SpaceDrone with its F-104 supersonic aircraft platform, Starfighters not only enhances testing efficiency but also provides a high-performance environment for validating future aerospace systems, further solidifying its leadership in the aerospace defense market.
- Market Potential: With the U.S. Space Force's budget reaching $40 billion this year and the Pentagon shifting decisively towards commercial solutions, this partnership positions Starfighters as a critical player in the rapidly growing hypersonic weapons development sector, attracting increased capital investment.
- Diversified Development Strategy: This collaboration complements Starfighters' operational expansion at Midland International Air & Space Port in Texas, showcasing the company's strategic positioning across multiple domains, including microgravity flight and hypersonic testing, thereby enhancing its competitive edge in the market.
See More
NASA Plans 30 Lunar Missions Over Three Years
- Successful Landing: On February 22, 2024, Intuitive Machines achieved the first uncrewed lunar landing in 50 years, despite the lander tipping over, marking a significant milestone in commercial space exploration and attracting investor interest.
- NASA's New Initiative: NASA plans to conduct 30 lunar missions starting in 2027, aiming for monthly launches to supply a future lunar base and conduct scientific experiments, demonstrating strong support for commercial space endeavors.
- Beneficiary Companies: Companies like Intuitive Machines, Firefly Aerospace, and Astrobotic are included in NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services program, positioning them to benefit significantly, especially in the development and operation of small lunar landers.
- Long-term Strategic Framework: NASA's plan unfolds in three phases, beginning with the Artemis II mission, followed by establishing a semi-permanent lunar base in 2029, and achieving crew presence by 2032, providing long-term commercial opportunities for involved companies.
See More
NASA Plans Monthly Moon Missions Starting 2027
- Moon Base Construction Plan: NASA plans to launch lunar missions monthly starting in 2027, aiming for 30 landings over three years to establish a semi-permanent Moon base by 2029, showcasing its long-term strategic vision in space exploration.
- Commercial Contract Opportunities: NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CPLS) program will provide contract opportunities for at least six space companies, including Intuitive Machines and Firefly Aerospace, which could yield significant commercial benefits for these firms in upcoming lunar missions.
- Investment Potential Emerges: With NASA's lunar mission plan expected to cost $10 billion, investors should pay attention to companies involved, such as Lockheed Martin and Astrobotic, which may benefit from this initiative and drive their stock prices higher.
- Technological Development Trends: NASA's plan is divided into three phases, with Phase 1 initiating the Artemis II crewed mission, followed by larger-scale lunar infrastructure development, indicating that future space exploration will increasingly rely on larger crewed vehicles, potentially reshaping the market landscape.
See More
NASA Revamps Space Exploration Plans Under Jared Isaacman
- Artemis Program Relaunch: NASA is set to implement the Artemis program over the next five years, with phase one costing $10 billion and involving at least 30 robotic lunar missions, culminating in a crewed moon landing in 2028, marking a significant return to lunar exploration for the U.S.
- Private Space Station Development: NASA plans to support private companies in building commercial space stations, with a government-owned core module to be attached to the existing International Space Station, ensuring safety before allowing independent operations, thus advancing the commercialization of low Earth orbit.
- Nuclear Spacecraft Initiative: NASA aims to launch the first nuclear-powered interplanetary spacecraft, Space Reactor-1 Freedom, in 2028, equipped with a 25-kilowatt nuclear reactor to explore Mars, showcasing NASA's innovative direction in space technology.
- International Collaboration and Infrastructure: In phases two and three of the Artemis program, NASA will collaborate with international partners to build lunar infrastructure, with total costs projected to reach $20 billion, laying a solid foundation for future lunar exploration.
See More
NASA's New Plans: Returning to the Moon and Exploring Mars
- Artemis Program Relaunch: NASA's new Artemis project is divided into three phases, with the first phase aiming to land two astronauts on the moon by 2028 at an estimated total cost of $20 billion, marking a significant return for the U.S. in space exploration.
- Robotic Mission Expansion: In phase one, NASA will conduct at least 30 robotic missions, utilizing Intuitive Machines' Nova-D lander for cargo delivery and equipment testing, supporting future lunar base construction and further advancing commercial space endeavors.
- International Space Station Plans: NASA will continue to support the construction of private commercial space stations, planning to attach a government-owned core module to the existing ISS to ensure safety and facilitate the formation of independent space stations, demonstrating ongoing commitment to low Earth orbit.
- Mars Exploration New Power: NASA plans to launch the first nuclear-powered interplanetary spacecraft, Space Reactor-1 Freedom, in 2028, carrying a 25-kilowatt nuclear reactor to Mars to deliver multiple drones for exploration, representing a significant advancement in space exploration technology.
See More
