Starfighters Space Founder Rick Svetkoff Steps Down as CEO

The departure of Svetkoff also includes the resignation of Brenda Svetkoff, who served as the company’s secretary. While Starfighters Space did not disclose a specific reason for the leadership change, the move ends Svetkoff’s nearly three-decade tenure at the helm of the aerospace organization he built around Cold War-era interceptors repurposed for commercial space access.

A New Chapter for the Supersonic Fleet

Tim Franta takes over the executive role after serving as the company’s vice president of development since 2022. Franta brings a background heavily rooted in Florida’s aerospace and legislative sectors, having previously served as the deputy director of Energy Florida in Cape Canaveral. His experience is expected to guide the company as it continues to market its suborbital and satellite launch capabilities.

Before joining the private sector, Franta held several high-profile public roles that shaped the state's space industry. His previous career highlights include:

• Serving as chief of staff for the Florida Space Authority.
• Working directly with the Florida legislature on aerospace policy.
• Directing regional development initiatives at Energy Florida.

Starfighters Space remains a niche player in the commercial space race, utilizing its specialized fleet to conduct microgravity experiments and launch small payloads. The company’s transition to Franta’s leadership signals a focus on institutional knowledge and regional partnerships within the Cape Canaveral aerospace corridor.