CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A truck delivers an F-104 Starfighter, formerly of the Italian Air Force, to Starfighters Inc. at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Jan. 19, 2012. The aircraft is one of five delivered to the company recently. They will be reassembled to fly research and development and other missions. Starfighters operates out of a hangar at the Shuttle Landing Facility at Kennedy under an agreement with Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A truck delivers an F-104 Starfighter, formerly of the Italian Air Force, to Starfighters Inc. at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Jan. 19, 2012. The aircraft is one of five delivered to the company recently. They will be reassembled to fly research and development and other missions. Starfighters operates out of a hangar at the Shuttle Landing Facility at Kennedy under an agreement with Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A truck delivers an F-104 Starfighter, formerly of the Italian Air Force, to Starfighters Inc. at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Jan. 19, 2012. The aircraft is one of five delivered to the company recently. They will be reassembled to fly research and development and other missions. Starfighters operates out of a hangar at the Shuttle Landing Facility at Kennedy under an agreement with Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A truck delivers an F-104 Starfighter, formerly of the Italian Air Force, to Starfighters Inc. at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Jan. 19, 2012. The aircraft is one of five delivered to the company recently. They will be reassembled to fly research and development and other missions. Starfighters operates out of a hangar at the Shuttle Landing Facility at Kennedy under an agreement with Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Starfighters has four F-104 aircraft that have been operational for several years. They have been used to fly research and development and other missions. Starfighters operates out of a hangar at the Shuttle Landing Facility at Kennedy under an agreement with Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A hangar at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida fills up with new aircraft for the company Starfighters Inc. The blue and white aircraft is part of the company's original fleet of supersonic aircraft. The gray aircraft is one of five delivered to the company recently. They will be reassembled to fly research and development and other missions. They have been used to fly research and development and other missions. Starfighters operates out of a hangar at the Shuttle Landing Facility at Kennedy under an agreement with Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A crane lifts an F-104 Starfighter off the bed of a truck at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Jan. 19, 2012. The aircraft is one of five delivered to the company recently. They will be reassembled to fly research and development and other missions. Starfighters operates out of a hangar at the Shuttle Landing Facility at Kennedy under an agreement with Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A crane lifts an F-104 Starfighter off the bed of a truck at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Jan. 19, 2012. The aircraft is one of five delivered to the company recently. They will be reassembled to fly research and development and other missions. Starfighters operates out of a hangar at the Shuttle Landing Facility at Kennedy under an agreement with Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

YF-104A (Serial #55-2961) on Rogers Dry Lake at Edwards AFB.

JF-104A (Serial #56-0749) on the ramp at the NASA Flight Research Center (now the Dryden Flight Research Center) at Edwards AFB. The aircraft is shown with the Air Launched Sounding Rocket (ALSOR) attached to the underside. NASA test pilot Milton O. Thompson ejected from this aircraft on 20 December 1962, after an asymmetrical flap condition made the jet uncontrollable.

YF-104A (Serial # 55-2961) on Rogers Dry Lake at Edwards AFB.

F-104A #818 flown by Einar Enevoldson and F-104A #820 flown by Gary Krier in formation over the Mojave Desert. 4/11/75 NASA DFRC EC76-5140

F-104B #819 flies chase on the NB-52B #008 during the first DAST captive flight.

The only time the five ship fleet of F-104 Starfighters was ever airborne at the same time. Pilots were: F-104N #811-Bill Dana; F-104N #812-Tom McMurtry; F-104A #818-Einar Enevoldson; F-104A #820-Gary Krier; F-104B #819-Fitz Fulton and Ray Young. Photo taken from T-38 #821 flown by Don Mallick and photographer was Bob Rhine. 4/11/75 NASA DFRC EC76-5145

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the RLV Hangar near NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, in Florida, students and their flight instructors from Florida Tech, FIT, in Melbourne view F104 Starfighter aircraft and hear a presentation from Starfighter Director Rick Svetkoff. The group arrived at the SLF in Cherokee Warrior and Cessna 172S lightweight aircraft. The middle and high school students are participating in FIT’s Av/Aero summer camp experience. They and their flight instructors toured the SLF midfield control tower, viewed F104 Starfighters and NASA Huey helicopters in the RLV Hangar, viewed the runway plaques marking wheels stop for each of the three space shuttles, and toured the Vehicle Assembly Building where space shuttle Atlantis currently is stored. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Before a high speed taxi test using a Starfighters, Inc. F-104, from left, Mark Homnick, CEO of 4Frontiers Corporation, Rick Svetkoff, Starfighters, Inc. president and pilot, and Panayot Slavov, business development manager for 4Frontiers Corporation, address guests at the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. 4Frontiers is testing the Star Lab suborbital launch vehicle which has the potential to carry payloads into low earth orbit. Tests are being conducted to verify the aeronautical conditions of the Star Lab suborbital launch vehicle. This is the first of eight tests the launch vehicle will undergo. 4Frontiers Corporation is aiming for testing to be completed by early 2012, with commercial flights starting mid-2012. Starfighters, Inc. has signed a Space Act Agreement with NASA for the use of the SLF facilities at Kennedy Space Center. Photo credit: NASA_Gianni M. Woods

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the RLV Hangar near NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, in Florida, students and their flight instructors from Florida Tech, FIT, in Melbourne, view F104 Starfighter aircraft and listen to Starfighter Director Rick Svetkoff. The flight instructors and their students arrived at the SLF in Cherokee Warrior and Cessna 172S lightweight aircraft. The middle and high school students are participating in FIT’s Av/Aero summer camp experience. They and their flight instructors toured the SLF midfield control tower, viewed F104 Starfighters and NASA Huey helicopters in the RLV Hangar, viewed the runway plaques marking wheels stop for each of the three space shuttles, and toured the Vehicle Assembly Building where space shuttle Atlantis currently is stored. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the RLV Hangar near NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, in Florida, Florida Tech, or FIT, Aviation Program Supervisor Tennesse Garvey, at left on the ladder, and several students view an F104 Starfighter. At right, on the ladder is Starfighter Director Rick Svetkoff. The FIT aviation instructors and their students arrived at the SLF in Cherokee Warrior and Cessna 172S lightweight aircraft. The middle and high school students are participating in FIT’s Av/Aero summer camp experience. They and their flight instructors toured the SLF midfield control tower, viewed F104 Starfighters and NASA Huey helicopters in the RLV Hangar, viewed the runway plaques marking wheels stop for each of the three space shuttles, and toured the Vehicle Assembly Building where space shuttle Atlantis currently is stored. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

An F-104 Starfighter flies above a gathering of NASA officials, family members and other invited guests following Kennedy Space Center's Day of Remembrance ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Starfighter F-104 piloted by Rick Svetkoff lands on the Shuttle Landing Facility at Kennedy Space Center. The aircraft will take part in a series of pathfinder test missions from the space shuttle runway. Two flights will generate test data to validate sonic boom assumptions about the potential impacts of suborbital and orbital commercial spaceflight from the facility. NASA is assessing the environmental impact of such flights. Starfighters Inc. of Clearwater, Fla., will perform the flights to help in assessing suborbital space launch trajectories from the runway and paving the way for future commercial space tourism and research flights from the facility. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility, pilot Rick Svetkoff settles into the cockpit of the Starfighter F-104. The aircraft is taking part in a series of pathfinder test missions from the space shuttle runway. Two flights will generate test data to validate sonic boom assumptions about the potential impacts of suborbital and orbital commercial spaceflight from the facility. NASA is assessing the environmental impact of such flights. Starfighters Inc. of Clearwater, Fla., will perform the flights to help in assessing suborbital space launch trajectories from the runway and paving the way for future commercial space tourism and research flights from the facility. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Starfighter F-104 approaches the runway at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility for a landing after its test flight. The aircraft is taking part in a series of pathfinder test missions from the space shuttle runway. Two flights will generate test data to validate sonic boom assumptions about the potential impacts of suborbital and orbital commercial spaceflight from the facility. NASA is assessing the environmental impact of such flights. Starfighters Inc. of Clearwater, Fla., will perform the flights to help in assessing suborbital space launch trajectories from the runway and paving the way for future commercial space tourism and research flights from the facility. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The media swarm around Pilot Rick Svetkoff after his test flight of the Starfighter F-104, in the background. The aircraft is taking part in a series of pathfinder test missions from the space shuttle runway. Two flights will generate test data to validate sonic boom assumptions about the potential impacts of suborbital and orbital commercial spaceflight from the facility. NASA is assessing the environmental impact of such flights. Starfighters Inc. of Clearwater, Fla., will perform the flights to help in assessing suborbital space launch trajectories from the runway and paving the way for future commercial space tourism and research flights from the facility. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a support building near NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, in Florida, students and their flight instructors from Florida Tech, FIT, in Melbourne listen to F104 Starfighters Director Rick Svetkoff. The middle and high school students are participating in FIT’s Av/Aero summer camp experience. They and their flight instructors toured the SLF midfield control tower, viewed F104 Starfighters and NASA Huey helicopters in the RLV Hangar, viewed the runway plaques marking wheels stop for each of the three space shuttles, and toured the Vehicle Assembly Building where space shuttle Atlantis currently is stored. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After returning from a test flight, pilot Rick Svetkoff climbs out of the cockpit of the Starfighter F-104. The aircraft is taking part in a series of pathfinder test missions from the space shuttle runway. Two flights will generate test data to validate sonic boom assumptions about the potential impacts of suborbital and orbital commercial spaceflight from the facility. NASA is assessing the environmental impact of such flights. Starfighters Inc. of Clearwater, Fla., will perform the flights to help in assessing suborbital space launch trajectories from the runway and paving the way for future commercial space tourism and research flights from the facility. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Starfighter F-104 lands on the runway at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility after its test flight. The aircraft is taking part in a series of pathfinder test missions from the space shuttle runway. Two flights will generate test data to validate sonic boom assumptions about the potential impacts of suborbital and orbital commercial spaceflight from the facility. NASA is assessing the environmental impact of such flights. Starfighters Inc. of Clearwater, Fla., will perform the flights to help in assessing suborbital space launch trajectories from the runway and paving the way for future commercial space tourism and research flights from the facility. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Starfighter F-104 piloted by Rick Svetkoff approaches the Shuttle Landing Facility at Kennedy Space Center. The aircraft will take part in a series of pathfinder test missions from the space shuttle runway. Two flights will generate test data to validate sonic boom assumptions about the potential impacts of suborbital and orbital commercial spaceflight from the facility. NASA is assessing the environmental impact of such flights. Starfighters Inc. of Clearwater, Fla., will perform the flights to help in assessing suborbital space launch trajectories from the runway and paving the way for future commercial space tourism and research flights from the facility. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

F-104A #820 in flight 8/23/71 NASA DFRC EC71-2811

F-104A #818 flown by Einar Enevoldson. 4/11/75 NASA DFRC EC76-5079 NASA Photo by Bob Rhine

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Bill Parsons (left), director of Kennedy Space Center, greets pilot Rick Svetkoff after a test flight of the Starfighter F-104. The aircraft is taking part in a series of pathfinder test missions from the space shuttle runway. Two flights will generate test data to validate sonic boom assumptions about the potential impacts of suborbital and orbital commercial spaceflight from the facility. NASA is assessing the environmental impact of such flights. Starfighters Inc. of Clearwater, Fla., will perform the flights to help in assessing suborbital space launch trajectories from the runway and paving the way for future commercial space tourism and research flights from the facility. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility, the Starfighter F-104 starts to taxi to the runway. The pilot is Rick Svetkoff; the co-pilot is Dave Waldrop. The aircraft is taking part in a series of pathfinder test missions from the space shuttle runway. Two flights will generate test data to validate sonic boom assumptions about the potential impacts of suborbital and orbital commercial spaceflight from the facility. NASA is assessing the environmental impact of such flights. Starfighters Inc. of Clearwater, Fla., will perform the flights to help in assessing suborbital space launch trajectories from the runway and paving the way for future commercial space tourism and research flights from the facility. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Pilot Rick Svetkoff sits in the cockpit of a Starfighters, Inc. F-104 supersonic jet before conducting a high speed taxi test on the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Star Lab suborbital launch vehicle developed by 4Frontiers Corporation can be seen above the front wheel. 4Frontiers is testing the Star Lab suborbital launch vehicle which has the potential to carry payloads into low earth orbit. Tests are being conducted to verify the aeronautical conditions of the Star Lab suborbital launch vehicle. This is the first of eight tests the launch vehicle will undergo. 4Frontiers Corporation is aiming for testing to be completed by early 2012, with commercial flights starting mid-2012. Starfighters, Inc. has signed a Space Act Agreement with NASA for the use of the SLF facilities at Kennedy Space Center. Photo credit: NASA_Gianni M. Woods

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility, a Starfighter F-104 aircraft is being prepared for test flights. Ready to climb into the cockpit is the pilot, Rick Svetkoff. The aircraft is taking part in a series of pathfinder test missions from the space shuttle runway. Two flights will generate test data to validate sonic boom assumptions about the potential impacts of suborbital and orbital commercial spaceflight from the facility. NASA is assessing the environmental impact of such flights. Starfighters Inc. of Clearwater, Fla., will perform the flights to help in assessing suborbital space launch trajectories from the runway and paving the way for future commercial space tourism and research flights from the facility. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Bill Parsons, director of Kennedy Space Center, addresses the media at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility after a test flight of the Starfighter F-104. Behind Parsons, at left, is the pilot Rick Svetkoff. At right is Al Wassel, a representative from the FAA Office of Commercial Space. The aircraft is taking part in a series of pathfinder test missions from the space shuttle runway. Two flights will generate test data to validate sonic boom assumptions about the potential impacts of suborbital and orbital commercial spaceflight from the facility. NASA is assessing the environmental impact of such flights. Starfighters Inc. of Clearwater, Fla., will perform the flights to help in assessing suborbital space launch trajectories from the runway and paving the way for future commercial space tourism and research flights from the facility. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the parachute on a Starfighters, Inc. F-104 supersonic jet, piloted by Rick Svetkoff, deploys after conducting a high speed taxi test. Hidden from the camera on the right side of the jet is the Star Lab suborbital launch vehicle developed by 4Frontiers Corporation. 4Frontiers is testing the Star Lab suborbital launch vehicle which has the potential to carry payloads into low earth orbit. Tests are being conducted to verify the aeronautical conditions of the Star Lab suborbital launch vehicle. This is the first of eight tests the launch vehicle will undergo. 4Frontiers Corporation is aiming for testing to be completed by early 2012, with commercial flights starting mid-2012. Starfighters, Inc. has signed a Space Act Agreement with NASA for the use of the SLF facilities at Kennedy Space Center. Photo credit: NASA_Gianni M. Woods

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Pilot Rick Svetkoff sits in the cockpit of a Starfighters, Inc. F-104 supersonic jet after conducting a high speed taxi test on the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Star Lab suborbital launch vehicle developed by 4Frontiers Corporation is attached to the right side of the jet. 4Frontiers is testing the Star Lab suborbital launch vehicle which has the potential to carry payloads into low earth orbit. Tests are being conducted to verify the aeronautical conditions of the Star Lab suborbital launch vehicle. This is the first of eight tests the launch vehicle will undergo. 4Frontiers Corporation is aiming for testing to be completed by early 2012, with commercial flights starting mid-2012. Starfighters, Inc. has signed a Space Act Agreement with NASA for the use of the SLF facilities at Kennedy Space Center. Photo credit: NASA_Gianni M. Woods

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility, the Starfighter F-104 picks up speed on the runway for takeoff. The pilot is Rick Svetkoff; the co-pilot is Dave Waldrop. The aircraft is taking part in a series of pathfinder test missions from the space shuttle runway. Two flights will generate test data to validate sonic boom assumptions about the potential impacts of suborbital and orbital commercial spaceflight from the facility. NASA is assessing the environmental impact of such flights. Starfighters Inc. of Clearwater, Fla., will perform the flights to help in assessing suborbital space launch trajectories from the runway and paving the way for future commercial space tourism and research flights from the facility. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the parachute on a Starfighters, Inc. F-104 supersonic jet, piloted by Rick Svetkoff, deploys after conducting a high speed taxi test. The Star Lab suborbital launch vehicle developed by 4Frontiers Corporation can be seen just above the front wheel. 4Frontiers is testing the Star Lab suborbital launch vehicle which has the potential to carry payloads into low earth orbit. Tests are being conducted to verify the aeronautical conditions of the Star Lab suborbital launch vehicle. This is the first of eight tests the launch vehicle will undergo. 4Frontiers Corporation is aiming for testing to be completed by early 2012, with commercial flights starting mid-2012. Starfighters, Inc. has signed a Space Act Agreement with NASA for the use of the SLF facilities at Kennedy Space Center. Photo credit: NASA_Gianni M. Woods

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Starfighter F-104 is airborne after taking off from the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility. The pilot is Rick Svetkoff; the co-pilot is Dave Waldrop. The aircraft is taking part in a series of pathfinder test missions from the space shuttle runway. Two flights will generate test data to validate sonic boom assumptions about the potential impacts of suborbital and orbital commercial spaceflight from the facility. NASA is assessing the environmental impact of such flights. Starfighters Inc. of Clearwater, Fla., will perform the flights to help in assessing suborbital space launch trajectories from the runway and paving the way for future commercial space tourism and research flights from the facility. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the parachute on a Starfighters, Inc. F-104 supersonic jet, piloted by Rick Svetkoff, deploys after conducting a high speed taxi test. Hidden from the camera on the right side of the jet is the Star Lab suborbital launch vehicle developed by 4Frontiers Corporation. 4Frontiers is testing the Star Lab suborbital launch vehicle which has the potential to carry payloads into low earth orbit. Tests are being conducted to verify the aeronautical conditions of the Star Lab suborbital launch vehicle. This is the first of eight tests the launch vehicle will undergo. 4Frontiers Corporation is aiming for testing to be completed by early 2012, with commercial flights starting mid-2012. Starfighters, Inc. has signed a Space Act Agreement with NASA for the use of the SLF facilities at Kennedy Space Center. Photo credit: NASA_Gianni M. Woods

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a Starfighters, Inc. F-104 supersonic jet, piloted by Rick Svetkoff, picks up speed to conduct a high speed taxi test. The Star Lab suborbital launch vehicle developed by 4Frontiers Corporation is located on the right side of the jet. 4Frontiers is testing the Star Lab suborbital launch vehicle which has the potential to carry payloads into low earth orbit. Tests are being conducted to verify the aeronautical conditions of the Star Lab suborbital launch vehicle. This is the first of eight tests the launch vehicle will undergo. 4Frontiers Corporation is aiming for testing to be completed by early 2012, with commercial flights starting mid-2012. Starfighters, Inc. has signed a Space Act Agreement with NASA for the use of the SLF facilities at Kennedy Space Center. Photo credit: NASA_Gianni M. Woods

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Bill Parsons (left), director of Kennedy Space Center, greets pilot Rick Svetkoff and co-pilot Dave Waldrop after a test flight of the Starfighter F-104. The aircraft is taking part in a series of pathfinder test missions from the space shuttle runway. Two flights will generate test data to validate sonic boom assumptions about the potential impacts of suborbital and orbital commercial spaceflight from the facility. NASA is assessing the environmental impact of such flights. Starfighters Inc. of Clearwater, Fla., will perform the flights to help in assessing suborbital space launch trajectories from the runway and paving the way for future commercial space tourism and research flights from the facility. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility, pilot Rick Svetkoff (left) climbs toward the cockpit of the Starfighter F-104 while co-pilot Dave Waldrop settles in his seat. The aircraft is taking part in a series of pathfinder test missions from the space shuttle runway. Two flights will generate test data to validate sonic boom assumptions about the potential impacts of suborbital and orbital commercial spaceflight from the facility. NASA is assessing the environmental impact of such flights. Starfighters Inc. of Clearwater, Fla., will perform the flights to help in assessing suborbital space launch trajectories from the runway and paving the way for future commercial space tourism and research flights from the facility. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Starfighter F-104 comes to a stop on the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility after its test flight. The pilot is Rick Svetkoff; the co-pilot is Dave Waldrop.The aircraft is taking part in a series of pathfinder test missions from the space shuttle runway. Two flights will generate test data to validate sonic boom assumptions about the potential impacts of suborbital and orbital commercial spaceflight from the facility. NASA is assessing the environmental impact of such flights. Starfighters Inc. of Clearwater, Fla., will perform the flights to help in assessing suborbital space launch trajectories from the runway and paving the way for future commercial space tourism and research flights from the facility. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After a test flight of the Starfighter F-104, Al Wassel, a representative from the FAA Office of Commercial Space, addresses the media on the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility. At left is the F-104 pilot, Rick Svetkoff. At right is Bill Parsons, director of Kennedy Space Center. The aircraft is taking part in a series of pathfinder test missions from the space shuttle runway. Two flights will generate test data to validate sonic boom assumptions about the potential impacts of suborbital and orbital commercial spaceflight from the facility. NASA is assessing the environmental impact of such flights. Starfighters Inc. of Clearwater, Fla., will perform the flights to help in assessing suborbital space launch trajectories from the runway and paving the way for future commercial space tourism and research flights from the facility. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Starfighter F-104 banks for a turn after taking off from the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility. The pilot is Rick Svetkoff; the co-pilot is Dave Waldrop. The aircraft is taking part in a series of pathfinder test missions from the space shuttle runway. Two flights will generate test data to validate sonic boom assumptions about the potential impacts of suborbital and orbital commercial spaceflight from the facility. NASA is assessing the environmental impact of such flights. Starfighters Inc. of Clearwater, Fla., will perform the flights to help in assessing suborbital space launch trajectories from the runway and paving the way for future commercial space tourism and research flights from the facility. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After a test flight of the Starfighter F-104, Pilot Rick Svetkoff addresses the media on the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility. Behind him are Al Wassel (left), a representative from the FAA Office of Commercial Space, and (right) Bill Parsons, director of Kennedy Space Center. The aircraft is taking part in a series of pathfinder test missions from the space shuttle runway. Two flights will generate test data to validate sonic boom assumptions about the potential impacts of suborbital and orbital commercial spaceflight from the facility. NASA is assessing the environmental impact of such flights. Starfighters Inc. of Clearwater, Fla., will perform the flights to help in assessing suborbital space launch trajectories from the runway and paving the way for future commercial space tourism and research flights from the facility. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility, a Starfighter F-104 aircraft is being prepared for test flights. Behind the plane is Dave Waldrop, co-pilot. The aircraft is taking part in a series of pathfinder test missions from the space shuttle runway. Two flights will generate test data to validate sonic boom assumptions about the potential impacts of suborbital and orbital commercial spaceflight from the facility. NASA is assessing the environmental impact of such flights. Starfighters Inc. of Clearwater, Fla., will perform the flights to help in assessing suborbital space launch trajectories from the runway and paving the way for future commercial space tourism and research flights from the facility. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility, pilot Rick Svetkoff (left) and co-pilot Dave Waldrop are ready to climb into the cockpit of the Starfighter F-104. The aircraft is taking part in a series of pathfinder test missions from the space shuttle runway. Two flights will generate test data to validate sonic boom assumptions about the potential impacts of suborbital and orbital commercial spaceflight from the facility. NASA is assessing the environmental impact of such flights. Starfighters Inc. of Clearwater, Fla., will perform the flights to help in assessing suborbital space launch trajectories from the runway and paving the way for future commercial space tourism and research flights from the facility. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After a test flight of the Starfighter F-104, Jim Ball, KSC Spaceport Development manager, addresses the media. Behind him are Pilot Rick Svetkoff; Al Wassel, a representative from the FAA Office of Commercial Space; and Bill Parsons, director of Kennedy Space Center. The aircraft is taking part in a series of pathfinder test missions from the space shuttle runway. Two flights will generate test data to validate sonic boom assumptions about the potential impacts of suborbital and orbital commercial spaceflight from the facility. NASA is assessing the environmental impact of such flights. Starfighters Inc. of Clearwater, Fla., will perform the flights to help in assessing suborbital space launch trajectories from the runway and paving the way for future commercial space tourism and research flights from the facility. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A Starfighters, Inc. F-104 supersonic jet is being fueled before conducting a high speed taxi test at the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. On the right side of the jet is the Star Lab suborbital launch vehicle developed by 4Frontiers Corporation. 4Frontiers is testing the Star Lab suborbital launch vehicle which has the potential to carry payloads into low earth orbit. Tests are being conducted to verify the aeronautical conditions of the Star Lab suborbital launch vehicle. This is the first of eight tests the launch vehicle will undergo. 4Frontiers Corporation is aiming for testing to be completed by early 2012, with commercial flights starting mid-2012. Starfighters, Inc. has signed a Space Act Agreement with NASA for the use of the SLF facilities at Kennedy Space Center. Photo credit: NASA_Gianni M. Woods

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Pilot Rick Svetkoff sits in the cockpit of a Starfighters, Inc. F-104 supersonic jet before conducting a high speed taxi test at the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Hidden from the camera on the right side of the jet is the Star Lab suborbital launch vehicle developed by 4Frontiers Corporation. 4Frontiers is testing the Star Lab suborbital launch vehicle which has the potential to carry payloads into low earth orbit. Tests are being conducted to verify the aeronautical conditions of the Star Lab suborbital launch vehicle. This is the first of eight tests the launch vehicle will undergo. 4Frontiers Corporation is aiming for testing to be completed by early 2012, with commercial flights starting mid-2012. Starfighters, Inc. has signed a Space Act Agreement with NASA for the use of the SLF facilities at Kennedy Space Center. Photo credit: NASA_Gianni M. Woods

EC66-01426 F-104N #812 Take off 9/1/66

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An F-104G Starfighter races through the sky over NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida during the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show Nov. 8-9. This year’s show brought together the best in military aircraft, such as the F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-16 Fighting Falcon, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event included a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

3/4 front view from below of Air Force F-104. The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter is a single-engine, supersonic interceptor aircraft originally developed by Lockheed for the United States Air Force (USAF). One of the Century Series of fighter aircraft, it was operated by the air forces of more than a dozen nations from 1958 to 2004.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — One of the Starfighters F-104 Demo Team pays a visit to NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The Starfighters are taking part in an air show in Jacksonville, Fla., and took the time to pay tribute to the World Space Expo at the center. The expo included an aerial salute featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Demonstration Squadron, the U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornets, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor, U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle, P-51 Mustang Heritage Flight, the U.S. Air Force 920th Rescue Wing, which was responsible for Mercury and Gemini capsule recovery, and the U.S. Army Golden Knights demonstrating precision skydiving. The World Space Expo Nov. 1-4 was an event commemorating humanity's first 50 years in space while looking forward to returning people to the moon and exploring beyond. The expo showcased various panels, presentations and educational programs. It also was a part of NASA's 50th anniversary celebrations, highlighting the 45th Anniversary of the Mercury Program celebration featuring original NASA astronauts John Glenn and Scott Carpenter and the Pioneering Women of Aerospace forum featuring Eileen Collins and other prominent female space veterans. The agency was founded Oct. 1, 1958. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

Lockheed JF-104A (AF56-745A Tail No. 60745) Starfighter airplane piloted by Fred Drinkwater conducted flight testing that demonstrated steep approaches that were ultimately used by the space shuttle. Steep descent testing, including power-off landing approaches and demonstration of minimum lift-to-drag ratio (L/D) landings came out of the interest in the use of low L/D lifting bodies for recovery to landing from space. Note: Used in publication in Flight Research at Ames; 57 Years of Development and Validation of Aeronautical Technology NASA SP-1998-3300 fig 93

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center in Florida, flight instructors and their students from Florida Tech, or FIT, in Melbourne prepare to depart the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, in Cherokee Warrior and Cessna 172S lightweight aircraft. The middle and high school students are participating in FIT’s Av/Aero summer camp experience. They and their flight instructors toured the SLF midfield control tower, viewed F104 Starfighters and NASA Huey helicopters in the RLV Hangar, viewed the runway plaques marking wheels stop for each of the three space shuttles, and toured the Vehicle Assembly Building where space shuttle Atlantis currently is stored. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Students and their flight instructors from Florida Tech, or FIT, in Melbourne, tour the Vehicle Assembly Building and view space shuttle Atlantis at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The instructors and their students arrived at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, in Cherokee Warrior and Cessna 172S lightweight aircraft. The middle and high school students are participating in FIT’s Av/Aero summer camp experience. They and their flight instructors also toured the SLF midfield control tower, viewed F104 Starfighters and NASA Huey helicopters in the RLV Hangar, and viewed the runway plaques marking wheels stop for each of the three space shuttles. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Students and their flight instructors arrive at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, in Florida in Cherokee Warrior and Cessna 172S lightweight aircraft from Florida Tech, or FIT, in Melbourne. The middle and high school students are participating in FIT’s Av/Aero summer camp experience. They and their flight instructors toured the SLF midfield control tower, viewed F104 Starfighters and NASA Huey helicopters in the RLV Hangar, viewed the runway plaques marking wheels stop for each of the three space shuttles, and toured the Vehicle Assembly Building where space shuttle Atlantis currently is stored. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Students and their flight instructors from Florida Tech, or FIT, in Melbourne, tour the Vehicle Assembly Building and view space shuttle Atlantis at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The instructors and their students arrived at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, in Cherokee Warrior and Cessna 172S lightweight aircraft. The middle and high school students are participating in FIT’s Av/Aero summer camp experience. They and their flight instructors also toured the SLF midfield control tower, viewed F104 Starfighters and NASA Huey helicopters in the RLV Hangar, and viewed the runway plaques marking wheels stop for each of the three space shuttles. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center in Florida, flight instructors and their students from Florida Tech, or FIT, in Melbourne prepare to depart the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, in Cherokee Warrior and Cessna 172S lightweight aircraft. The middle and high school students are participating in FIT’s Av/Aero summer camp experience. They and their flight instructors toured the SLF midfield control tower, viewed F104 Starfighters and NASA Huey helicopters in the RLV Hangar, viewed the runway plaques marking wheels stop for each of the three space shuttles, and toured the Vehicle Assembly Building where space shuttle Atlantis currently is stored. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a support building near NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, in Florida, Center Director Bob Cabana speaks to students and their flight instructors from Florida Tech, or FIT, in Melbourne. The group arrived at the SLF in Cherokee Warrior and Cessna 172S lightweight aircraft.. The middle and high school students are participating in FIT’s Av/Aero summer camp experience. They and their flight instructors toured the SLF midfield control tower, viewed F104 Starfighters and NASA Huey helicopters in the RLV Hangar, viewed the runway plaques marking wheels stop for each of the three space shuttles, and toured the Vehicle Assembly Building where space shuttle Atlantis currently is stored. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a support building near NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, in Florida, Center Director Bob Cabana speaks to students and their flight instructors from Florida Tech, or FIT, in Melbourne. The group arrived at the SLF in Cherokee Warrior and Cessna 172S lightweight aircraft. The middle and high school students are participating in FIT’s Av/Aero summer camp experience. They and their flight instructors toured the SLF midfield control tower, viewed F104 Starfighters and NASA Huey helicopters in the RLV Hangar, viewed the runway plaques marking wheels stop for each of the three space shuttles, and toured the Vehicle Assembly Building where space shuttle Atlantis currently is stored. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, in Florida, NASA Aviation Safety Officer Joe Torsani, at left, speaks with students and their flight instructors after they arrived in Cherokee Warrior and Cessna 172S lightweight aircraft from Florida Tech, FIT, in Melbourne. The middle and high school students are participating in FIT’s Av/Aero summer camp experience. They and their flight instructors toured the SLF midfield control tower, viewed F104 Starfighters and NASA Huey helicopters in the RLV Hangar, viewed the runway plaques marking wheels stop for each of the three space shuttles, and toured the Vehicle Assembly Building where space shuttle Atlantis currently is stored. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, in Florida, a flight instructor and his students inspect the lightweight aircraft they flew in earlier in the day from Florida Tech, or FIT, in Melbourne. Several instructors and their students arrived at the SLF in Cherokee Warrior and Cessna 172S lightweight aircraft. The middle and high school students are participating in FIT’s Av/Aero summer camp experience. They and their flight instructors toured the SLF midfield control tower, viewed F104 Starfighters and NASA Huey helicopters in the RLV Hangar, viewed the runway plaques marking wheels stop for each of the three space shuttles, and toured the Vehicle Assembly Building where space shuttle Atlantis currently is stored. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, in Florida, NASA Aviation Safety Officer Joe Torsani walks with students and their flight instructors after they arrived in Cherokee Warrior and Cessna 172S lightweight aircraft from Florida Tech, or FIT, in Melbourne. The middle and high school students are participating in FIT’s Av_Aero summer camp experience. They and their flight instructors toured the SLF midfield control tower, viewed F104 Starfighters and NASA Huey helicopters in the RLV Hangar, viewed the runway plaques marking wheels stop for each of the three space shuttles, and toured the Vehicle Assembly Building where space shuttle Atlantis currently is stored. Photo credit: NASA_Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Military aircraft are lined up on the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The F/A-18s, F-4, F-16 and F-104G Starfighter will take part in demonstrations at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show Nov. 8-9. The Navy's elite flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, will take to the skies in military aircraft demonstrations for the second annual Space & Air Show at Kennedy. This year’s show brings together the best in military aircraft, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event also includes demonstrations by the F-16 Fighting Falcon and a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, in Florida, a flight instructor and his students inspect the lightweight aircraft they flew in earlier in the day from Florida Tech, or FIT, in Melbourne. Several instructors and their students arrived at the SLF in Cherokee Warrior and Cessna 172S lightweight aircraft. The middle and high school students are participating in FIT’s Av/Aero summer camp experience. They and their flight instructors toured the SLF midfield control tower, viewed F104 Starfighters and NASA Huey helicopters in the RLV Hangar, viewed the runway plaques marking wheels stop for each of the three space shuttles, and toured the Vehicle Assembly Building where space shuttle Atlantis currently is stored. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, in Florida, NASA Aviation Safety Officer Joe Torsani, at right, speaks with students and their flight instructors after they arrived in Cherokee Warrior and Cessna 172S lightweight aircraft from Florida Tech, or FIT, in Melbourne. The middle and high school students are participating in FIT’s Av/Aero summer camp experience. They and their flight instructors toured the SLF midfield control tower, viewed F104 Starfighters and NASA Huey helicopters in the RLV Hangar, viewed the runway plaques marking wheels stop for each of the three space shuttles, and toured the Vehicle Assembly Building where space shuttle Atlantis currently is stored. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Standing next to a Starfighter aircraft at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Lee A. Archer Jr., one of the Tuskegee Airmen, shares his experiences as a combat fighter pilot. Earlier, Archer made a special presentation to the Kennedy work force, talking about his years as a combat fighter pilot, civil rights leader and business executive. Archer is the only Tuskegee Airmen fighter pilot to receive the honor “Ace” for shooting down five enemy aircraft during WWII. He retired as Air Force Command Pilot after 30 years of military service, 1941-1971. Archer is at Kennedy to serve as Military Marshall of the 2008 KSC Space & Air Show, Nov. 8-9. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the RLV Hangar near NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, in Florida, flight instructors from Florida Tech, FIT, in Melbourne, listen to NASA Aviation Safety Officer Joe Torsani and view a NASA Huey helicopter. At left, in the red shirt is Glenn Vera, director of FIT Aviation. The flight instructors and their students arrived at the SLF in Cherokee Warrior and Cessna 172S lightweight aircraft. The middle and high school students are participating in FIT’s Av/Aero summer camp experience. They and their flight instructors toured the SLF midfield control tower, viewed F104 Starfighters and NASA Huey helicopters in the RLV Hangar, viewed the runway plaques marking wheels stop for each of the three space shuttles, and toured the Vehicle Assembly Building where space shuttle Atlantis currently is stored. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, students and their flight instructors from Florida Tech, or FIT, in Melbourne, tour the midfield Air Traffic Control Tower. The instructors and their students arrived at the SLF in Cherokee Warrior and Cessna 172S lightweight aircraft. The middle and high school students are participating in FIT’s Av/Aero summer camp experience. They and their flight instructors toured the SLF midfield control tower, viewed F104 Starfighters and NASA Huey helicopters in the RLV Hangar, viewed the runway plaques marking wheels stop for each of the three space shuttles, and toured the Vehicle Assembly Building where space shuttle Atlantis currently is stored. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

All three NASA F-104N's fly in formation. Aircraft numbers 011, 012 and 013. These would be changed to 811, 812 and 813 in 1965. Pilots are Bruce Peterson in 011, Milt Thompson in 012 and Joe Walker in 013. October 24, 1963