Tim Franta
CEO of Starfighters Space since February 2026, having joined as VP of Development in October 2022 to lead the STARLAUNCH program. Previously Deputy Director at Energy Florida, Cape Canaveral (2018-2022) and Director of Special Projects (2012-2018); earlier drafted space transportation policy as Chief of Staff for the Florida Space Authority and on Florida Legislature staff.
Tim Franta became CEO of Starfighters Space on February 23, 2026, succeeding founder Rick Svetkoff after the company's NYSE American listing. Starfighters Space operates the world's only commercial fleet of flight-ready Mach 2+ F-104 supersonic jets, based at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, and is developing STARLAUNCH, an air-launched rocket system intended to deliver small satellites more flexibly than traditional heavy-lift rockets. As CEO, Franta has described the company's strategy as scaling aircraft utilization, advancing STARLAUNCH through engineering milestones, and broadening its commercial customer base beyond government clients.
Overview
- Role
- CEO, Starfighters Space
- Based in
- Cape Canaveral, FL
- Prior experience
- Energy Florida, Florida Space Authority, Florida Legislature
Affiliated funds0
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Frequently asked
- Who is Tim Franta?
- Tim Franta became CEO of Starfighters Space on February 23, 2026, succeeding founder Rick Svetkoff after the company's NYSE American listing. Starfighters Space operates the world's only commercial fleet of flight-ready Mach 2+ F-104 supersonic jets, based at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, and is developing STARLAUNCH, an air-launched rocket system intended to deliver small satellites more flexibly than traditional heavy-lift rockets. As CEO, Franta has described the company's strategy as scaling aircraft utilization, advancing STARLAUNCH through engineering milestones, and broadening its commercial customer base beyond government clients.
- What is Tim Franta's role?
- Tim Franta is CEO, Starfighters Space, based in Cape Canaveral, FL.
- Where did Tim Franta work before?
- Tim Franta's prior roles include Energy Florida, Florida Space Authority, Florida Legislature.
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