Partnership Formed to Test-Fly Reusable Hypersonic Space Systems
Starfighters Space will Facilitate Blackstar Orbital Hypersonic “SpaceDrone” Flight Tests
A strategic partnership has been formed between Blackstar Orbital and Starfighters Space to support the development and flight testing of next-generation reusable space systems.
“This collaboration is a critical step in demonstrating a new class of reusable, hypersonic satellite systems.”
Christopher Jannette, Blackstar Orbital
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.”
“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.”
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.
This announcement builds on Starfighters’ recent momentum in expanding the use of its high-performance aircraft across multiple mission categories. In recent weeks, the Company announced progress on its STARLAUNCH 1 air-launch platform with GE Aerospace and a partnership with Mu-G Technologies to support microgravity flight missions.
“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,” Franta said.