Starfighters Space names Tim Franta CEO, targets 150+ Mach 2+ launches
Starfighters Space appointed former Florida Space Authority chief Tim Franta as CEO on Feb. 23 after founder Rick Svetkoff and company secretary Brenda Svetkoff resigned. Franta announced during the NYSE opening bell that the aerospace firm, which flies Mach 2+ payloads, plans over 150 suborbital and orbital launches this year.
1. Leadership Transition
On Feb. 23, founder Rick Svetkoff resigned as CEO, president, chairman and director, and company secretary Brenda Svetkoff also stepped down. Tim Franta, former chief of staff for the Florida Space Authority, was appointed CEO to guide the newly public aerospace company.
2. NYSE Bell Ceremony
Franta rang the New York Stock Exchange opening bell on Feb. 25 and declared “Starfighters believes that space is the future,” marking his first public remarks and outlining his growth vision.
3. Launch Capabilities and Plans
Starfighters Space operates the only commercial system capable of sustained Mach 2+ payload flights (over 1,534 mph) and under Franta’s leadership aims to conduct more than 150 suborbital and orbital launches this year.