Business Context and Reporting Period
This Form 8-K Current Report was filed by Starfighters Space, Inc. on May 11, 2026. The filing discloses a corporate governance event under Item 5.02 regarding the appointment of a new executive officer. The company is an emerging growth company incorporated in Delaware, with principal executive offices in Kennedy Space Center, Florida.
Key Financial Metrics
The filing does not provide financial statements, revenue, profit, cash flow, margins, debt, or liquidity metrics. The document focuses exclusively on executive compensation and appointment details.
Material Changes
The primary material change reported is the appointment of José Arias as Vice President, Space Operations, effective May 11, 2026. Mr. Arias joins from Blue Origin, LLC, bringing experience in launch vehicle integration and propulsion systems. This appointment represents a strategic addition to the company's leadership team to oversee spaceflight operations and mission execution.
Management Commentary and Compensation Details
The filing details the compensatory arrangements for the new Vice President:
- Base Salary: $190,000 annually.
- Sign-On Bonus: $20,000, payable within 30 days, subject to full repayment if the employee resigns within 12 months.
- Performance Bonus: Eligible for up to 25% of the base salary based on company and individual performance.
- Equity Grant: 150,000 stock options under the 2023 Stock Incentive Plan. The exercise price equals the fair market value on the grant date. Vesting is 25% after 12 months, with the remaining 75% vesting monthly over the subsequent 24 months.
- Severance: In the event of termination without cause, the executive receives three months' base salary ($47,500) and health benefits.
Management commentary is limited to the description of Mr. Arias's qualifications and responsibilities, which include leading spaceflight operations, overseeing production and testing, and directing cross-functional coordination.
Investor Verification Checklist
- Verify the impact of the new executive's background on the company's upcoming mission execution and production timelines.
- Review the company's 2023 Stock Incentive Plan to understand the total pool of options available and the dilution impact of the 150,000 new grants.
- Confirm the company's current cash position to ensure it can support the immediate $20,000 sign-on bonus and ongoing salary obligations.
- Monitor future filings for any updates on the company's operational milestones now that a dedicated VP of Space Operations is in place.