Supersonic F-104 Fighter Jets Converted to Airborne Space Launch Platforms

Starfighters Space, a company based in Cape Canaveral, Florida, is developing an air-launch system utilizing F-104 Starfighter fighter jets capable of sustained Mach 2 flight to serve as airborne launch platforms. The concept involves carrying payloads and smaller launch vehicles to high altitudes before releasing them to continue their journey to space.

CEO Tim Franta has likened the company's approach to "Uber Eats for space," emphasizing a focus on delivering small payloads efficiently and affordably. "Think of us not even as Uber, but Uber Eats. We're delivering something very small to a specific spot and trying to do it inexpensively," Franta stated in a recent interview.

The air-launch strategy is designed to give rockets a head start by releasing them at high altitudes, potentially reducing stress from traversing the densest parts of the atmosphere. Starfighters operates from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, using the same runway previously utilized by the Space Shuttle.

The company is targeting the growing small-satellite launch market, projected to exceed $69 billion by 2030. Starfighters plans to conduct a drop test soon, with the ultimate goal of placing satellites into low Earth orbit. The company presents its service as a responsive and lower-cost alternative to traditional ground-based rocket launches.