SkyfireAI U.S. Space & Rocket Center partnership expands real-world training, STEM education, and public safety innovation in Huntsville
On the heels of this week’s announcement that U.S. Space Command will relocate to Huntsville’s Redstone Arsenal, SkyfireAI has unveiled new partnerships with the U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC) and W.S. Darley & Co. The initiatives aim to strengthen real-world drone training, expand STEM education, and reinforce Huntsville’s growing role in aerospace and unmanned systems innovation.
The move of Space Command is expected to bring more than 1,400 jobs and significant federal investment to the city, further cementing its reputation as “Rocket City.” SkyfireAI’s collaboration with local institutions places Huntsville at the intersection of space, defense, and drone technology.
Real-World Training in Unique Environments
Under the agreement, SkyfireAI will deliver scenario-based drone training at the USSRC, home of Space Camp® and Aviation Challenge®. The Center’s facilities include decommissioned helicopters, planes, railcars, wooded crash sites, a body of water, and a 150-by-150-foot outdoor netted drone flight cage that stands 50 feet tall.
Training will serve first responders, Department of Defense agencies, military personnel, and critical infrastructure operators. The program will also feature National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) test lanes designed to measure and improve pilot skills in controlled environments.
“The great thing is the infrastructure is already set up and ready to go,” said Justin McCarthy of SkyfireAI. “The USSRC are really excited about it and the opportunity to build a pipeline of future UAS professionals. [It’s] quite literally taking our space race analogy into action!”
Integrating AI and Swarm Operations
In addition to individual pilot training, SkyfireAI will demonstrate its AI-enabled swarm technology at the Center. This system allows for coordinated multi-drone operations that simulate real-world scenarios in public safety, critical infrastructure, and defense.
Matt Sloane, founder and chief strategy officer of SkyfireAI, emphasized the timing of the initiative. “This week’s announcement that U.S. Space Command headquarters will relocate to Huntsville underscores our city’s legacy—and future—as a national space and defense hub,” he said. “Our partnerships with USSRC and Darley now align training, education, and mission readiness directly within that ecosystem.”
Supporting First Responders and Education
Darley will serve as the Official Equipment Provider for the program, supplying NDAA-compliant and Blue UAS-cleared platforms. Systems include aircraft from Vantage Robotics, Parrot, Autel, Nightingale Security, and Darkhive, as well as DroneTag detection solutions. The inclusion of BRINC systems adds further variety to live training and demonstrations.
“Our partnership with SkyfireAI aligns perfectly with Darley’s mission to support innovation on the frontlines,” said Paul C. Darley, CEO and President of Darley. “This is about more than equipment—it’s about ensuring responders and agencies gain confidence with tools that are tested and proven under real conditions.”
The collaboration also extends to public education. SkyfireAI will work with USSRC educators to create drone-focused curriculum for Space Camp and Aviation Challenge programs. This effort integrates unmanned aircraft into hands-on learning for students, helping inspire the next generation of aerospace professionals.
“For decades, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center has inspired students and professionals alike through space and aviation training,” said Dr. Kay Taylor, vice president of education at the USSRC. “Now, with SkyfireAI’s expertise in unmanned systems, we are proud to expand that mission into the rapidly growing field of drones—empowering first responders and the next generation of aerospace leaders.”
Strengthening Huntsville’s Aerospace Ecosystem
By combining cutting-edge drone technology with Huntsville’s growing status as a national hub for space and defense, the partnership marks a major step forward in unmanned systems training and education.
Together, SkyfireAI, the USSRC, and Darley are setting the stage for innovative public safety training, immersive STEM programs, and advanced defense applications—all within the city that is becoming home to U.S. Space Command.
Learn more about SkyfireAI: www.skyfireai.com.
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