Key insights
- Starfighters Space (FJET) will be added to the Russell 3000 Index on June 29, 2026. This inclusion is expected to increase institutional visibility. The company operates unique reusable airborne infrastructure for specialized aerospace missions, differentiating it from typical space sector companies. While the index inclusion itself is a neutral event for the broader market, it highlights a niche player within the growing aerospace sector.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Starfighters Space, Inc. (NYSE American:FJET) will be added to the Russell 3000 Index when U.S. markets open on June 29, 2026, as part of the annual Russell index reconstitution, according to a press release statement.
The company operates a fleet of seven flight-ready F-104 supersonic jet aircraft at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. According to the company, the aircraft can be configured for air-launch missions, hypersonic and microgravity research, aerospace testing, and military training.
Russell 3000 membership can improve visibility with institutions and portfolio managers that use Russell indexes as a screening or benchmarking tool. The company described the inclusion as a milestone in its evolution as a publicly traded company.
Starfighters Space was mentioned on Fox Business during a segment featuring investment analyst Hilary Kramer on Monday.
The company differs from most listed space-related companies in that it is not primarily a launch provider, satellite-network operator, or data-analytics company. Instead, it operates reusable airborne infrastructure for specialized aerospace missions.
The broader space sector includes companies with varying business models. Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:SPCE) focuses on commercial human spaceflight. Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:RKLB) recently reported a revenue beat and completed its acquisition of Motiv Space Systems. AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTS) reported first-quarter results that missed estimates while maintaining it remained on track to meet 2026 guidance. The stock has delivered a remarkable 248% return over the past year despite recent volatility, trading at $107.29 with a market cap of $41.6 billion. According to InvestingPro analysis, ASTS holds more cash than debt and maintains liquid assets exceeding short-term obligations, though the company remains unprofitable. Investors can access 16 additional ProTips and comprehensive Pro Research Reports covering ASTS and 1,400+ other US equities on the platform. Planet Labs PBC (NYSE:PL) operates in Earth observation and geospatial data.
The press release noted that the company has been paid a fee for advertising and digital media from Creative Direct Marketing Group.
In other recent news, AST SpaceMobile announced during William Blair’s 46th Annual Growth Stock Conference that it plans to launch its beta direct-to-device service later this year, with a commercial service launch anticipated in the first half of 2027. This announcement comes despite a recent setback involving an explosion of Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket, which AST SpaceMobile relies on as a primary launch supplier. The incident occurred during testing on a Florida launchpad, though no satellites were aboard at the time. AST SpaceMobile also received authorization for 10x10 spectrum usage in Brazil, which could enhance its service capabilities in the region.
In related developments, William Blair noted that Blue Origin’s expected return to launch operations could benefit AST SpaceMobile, with a potential relaunch slated for 2026. Meanwhile, Bank of America remains neutral on AST SpaceMobile stock, citing competitive pressures and launch delays as factors that could influence near-term stock performance. The firm highlights that AST SpaceMobile aims to deploy 45 satellites by the end of 2026. These recent developments provide a glimpse into the challenges and opportunities facing AST SpaceMobile as it navigates the evolving space industry landscape.
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