Starfighters Space's expansion within the Midland Spaceport Business Park will serve as the site for the company's hypersonic testing operations.
According to a news release, Starfighters Space, which operates a commercial fleet of aircraft capable of flying at sustained speeds exceeding Mach 2, views this project as essential for solidifying its hypersonic data. The expansion will enable the company to access the Mojave and Vandenberg Space Ports in California. The company is collaborating with the Midland Development Corporation (MDC) on obtaining Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval for the project and certification for the corridor initiative.
In September, the Midland Times reported that the City Council approved an economic development agreement with Starfighters Space and MDC to develop a second launch facility.
"At the end of the day, it is the team that makes the mission successful. MDC truly understood the power and resiliency of us securing multiple launch facilities and worked with us in bringing the project to life," said Starfighters Space CEO Rick Svetkoff. "As a strategic southwestern hub, Midland will enable our aircraft to reach these various military operating areas much quicker and in a more cost-effective manner."
The news release states that while an estimated cost for the project was not disclosed, Starfighters Space is expected to invest millions into it, creating employment for 23 people by 2033. The company also plans to use this launch site for research and development activities related to commercial and defense industries. Additionally, it will provide an alternative facility for its supersonic space delivery platform currently being developed with GE Aeronautics, known as StarLaunch.