Starfighters Space Adds Former Blue Origin Leaders to Accelerate STARLAUNCH Development

Starfighters Space has expanded its leadership team with the addition of two former Blue Origin executives as the company advances development of its STARLAUNCH air‑launched orbital system. The appointments strengthen the company’s technical and program management capabilities as it works toward flight demonstrations from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

Strengthening Leadership With Deep Launch Vehicle Experience

The company has appointed Brent Sherwood as Chief Strategy Officer and Scott Henderson as Chief Operating Officer. Sherwood previously led Blue Origin’s lunar and civil space programs and brings decades of experience in space systems development. Henderson, a former Blue Origin vice president responsible for launch site operations at Cape Canaveral, adds extensive operational and infrastructure expertise.

Starfighters Space leadership stated that the combined experience of the new executives will help accelerate STARLAUNCH toward operational readiness.

Advancing the STARLAUNCH Air‑Launched Orbital System

STARLAUNCH is designed as a reusable, air‑launched system capable of delivering payloads to low Earth orbit. The architecture leverages the company’s fleet of F‑104 Starfighter aircraft, which serve as high‑performance carrier platforms for rocket deployment. The system is intended to offer responsive, flexible launch options for commercial, civil, and national security customers.

The company continues to expand its engineering, manufacturing, and test operations at Kennedy Space Center as it prepares for upcoming flight milestones.

Supporting National Security and Commercial Space Demand

Starfighters Space positions STARLAUNCH as a solution for the growing need for rapid, on‑demand access to orbit. The company notes that air‑launched systems can reduce range constraints, shorten launch timelines, and provide greater operational flexibility for defense and commercial missions.

The addition of senior leaders with experience in large‑scale launch operations and program execution is expected to strengthen the company’s ability to meet emerging customer requirements.

Building Momentum Toward Flight Demonstrations

With new leadership in place, Starfighters Space is advancing toward integrated testing and future demonstration flights. For aerospace and defense readers, the appointments signal continued momentum behind alternative launch architectures designed to increase responsiveness and reduce infrastructure dependence.