Starfighters Space's expansion within the Midland Spaceport Business Park is part of the company’s objective to develop a high-speed air corridor for hypersonic and suborbital research.
In November, the Midland Times reported that the company operates a commercial fleet of aircraft capable of flying at sustained speeds exceeding Mach 2. The expansion is necessary for accessing the Mojave and Vandenberg Space Ports in California. Starfighters Space is collaborating with the Midland Development Corporation (MDC) on obtaining Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval for the project and certification for the corridor initiative.
According to a news release, the $78 million expansion in aircraft and equipment by 2027 to the Midland International Air & Space Port will serve as the site for the company's hypersonic testing operations. The initiative will aid local pilot and spaceflight training, nanosatellite launches, and maintenance operations.
"The addition of Starfighters to our space port positions Midland as a first-class hub for aerospace development," said Sara Harris, executive director of the Midland Development Corporation.
The company has made waves in the aerospace sector and expects to be approved for launch commercialization next year, according to the news release. The company’s expansion will result in 23 new full-time jobs as it seeks to receive regulatory certifications for its endeavors.