Starfighters Space relocation increases focus on high-speed space corridor for Midland

Aerospace businesses continue to boom in Midland with the announced expansion of Starfighters Space Inc. to the Midland International Air & Space Port in September 2024. The innovative company operates the only commercial fleet on the planet able to fly at over two times the speed of sound, or Mach2+. Through the economic development agreement sealing Starfighters' move, more new opportunities are also on the horizon. Midland Development Corporation (MDC) and Starfighters will partner to secure FAA approval for a high-speed airspace corridor between Midland and Spaceport America in New Mexico. Through the collaboration, Midland is solidifying its place as a key player in the aerospace and high-speed flight industries.

How Starfighters fits in at Midland Spaceport Business Park

Starfighters Space’s background in private and defense aerospace research and development projects, coupled with high-speed and hypersonic flight expertise, makes it a unique partner for Midland. Through strategic investments in economic development, the Midland Spaceport Business Park is flourishing and is already home to numerous aerospace and defense companies, including Firehawk Aerospace, Castelion, the MITRE Corporation, and LeoLabs. 

As Department of Defense spending on hypersonic research and defense increases, the potential exists for greater business expansion and growth at the 377-acre park. Midland and Starfighters Space opportunities multiply by establishing an FAA-approved high-speed airspace corridor. A 2022 study established the feasibility of a corridor. Starfighters would use certification to conduct supersonic research missions for the Department of Defense in the airspace between Midland and Spaceport America, a distance of approximately 290 miles. 

“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,” Starfighters Space CEO Rick Svetkoff highlighted in October, noting Midland’s potential as a “hypersonic test corridor.”

When FAA certification is achieved, more aerospace and defense businesses seeking geographic diversification and a business-friendly environment will find Midland the prime location for research, development, and long-term operations. Further local growth of the industry generates more high-paying jobs within the community, diversifies and boosts the local economy, and grows the tax base, making Midland a better place to live for everyone.

What Starfighters Space brings to Midland

Through the economic development agreement approved by MDC and the Midland City Council, the Midland International Air & Space Port will host at least $78 million in capital assets and equipment at Starfighters Space’s location in a new construction hangar owned by MDC. Twenty-three high-quality, full-time jobs will also be created by December 2033, part of Starfighters' commitment to hiring local professionals and recruiting more top talent to the West Texas city. 

Relocation of equipment, such as F-104 Starfighters, engines, and engine stands, is already in progress and more relocations are planned in 2025. By the end of Q1, five jets and a DC-9 Zero G Test Bed are expected to arrive on-site. 

Midland also serves as an alternative facility for StarLaunch, a supersonic space delivery platform Starfighters is developing with GE Aeronautics. With StarLaunch, Starfighters Space would use delivery rockets launched from F-104 fighter jets to deliver satellites and other cargo into low earth orbit. 

More commercial space and shovel-ready sites are available at the Spaceport Business Park in Midland. To learn more about sites and terms, contact Midland Development Corporation today.