SkyfireAI Partners with U.S. Space & Rocket Center and Darley to Advance Real-World Drone Training, Education, and Public Safety Innovation—Boosted by U.S. Space Command Relocation to Rocket City
On the heels of this week’s announcement that the U.S. Space Command is being permanently relocated to Huntsville’s Redstone Arsenal—a move expected to bring approximately 1,400 jobs and significant federal investment to Rocket City—SkyfireAI (www.skyfireai.com) is uniquely positioned to further elevate Huntsville as America’s epicenter for aerospace and unmanned systems innovation. SkyfireAI today announced transformative partnerships with the U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC) and W.S. Darley & Co., amplifying real-world drone training, public safety readiness, and STEM education in alignment with this new strategic center of gravity for space command leadership.
Under a new agreement, SkyfireAI will work with the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, home of Space Camp® and Aviation Challenge®, to conduct mission-specific drone training for first responders, military, Department of Defense, and critical infrastructure clients. Leveraging the Center’s unique facilities—including railcars, helicopters, planes, simulated forest crash zones, a body of water for search and rescue operations, and a 150-by-150-foot outdoor netted flight cage standing 50 feet tall with integrated simulation props—SkyfireAI will provide hands-on, scenario-based training that mirrors real-world conditions. Multiple National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) test lanes of varying skill levels will also be established to benchmark and advance drone pilot proficiency.
Beyond training with individual aircraft, this partnership also strengthens SkyfireAI’s efforts in AI-enabled, multi-ship operations—allowing the company to demonstrate real-world swarm scenarios, rapid decision-making, and coordinated aerial responses. The synergy between SkyfireAI’s technology and Huntsville’s role as the new U.S. Space Command headquarters will accelerate development of these capabilities for public safety, critical infrastructure, and national defense.
Additionally, SkyfireAI will collaborate with USSRC educators to develop new UAS curriculum for Space Camp and Aviation Challenge, integrating drone operations into public education programs, and expand community engagement around unmanned systems. This partnership ensures that tomorrow’s aerospace leaders gain early exposure to drone technology alongside traditional aviation and spaceflight training.
“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,” said Matt Sloane, founder and chief strategy officer of SkyfireAI. “Our partnerships with USSRC and Darley now align training, education, and mission readiness directly within that ecosystem.”
To support these efforts, Darley will serve as the Official Equipment Provider, supplying a wide portfolio of NDAA-compliant and Blue UAS-cleared aircraft and systems, including:
- Vantage Robotics Vesper & Trace
- Parrot UKR
- Autel Max 4T, Lite Enterprise Pro 6K & 640T, and Dragonfish
- Nightingale Security Drone as First Responder Solution
- Darkhive Obelisk & Yellow Jacket
- DroneTag RIDER (Drone Detection)
These platforms, along with solutions from SkyfireAI’s close partner, BRINC, will drive live training and demo operations at the USSRC—allowing agencies and stakeholders to fly, analyze, and evaluate unmanned systems in realistic mission environments.
“Our partnership with SkyfireAI aligns perfectly with Darley’s mission to support innovation on the frontlines,” said Paul C. Darley, CEO & 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.”
Dr. Kay Taylor, VP of Education at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, added: “For decades, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center has inspired students and professionals alike through space and aviation training. 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.”
Together, these developments position Huntsville not only as the site of U.S. Space Command but also a national leader in unmanned systems training, aerospace education, and public safety innovation.
Learn more about SkyfireAI: www.skyfireai.com
About SkyfireAI:
SkyfireAI is an AI-native drone technology company redefining mission-scale autonomy for public safety, defense, and enterprise markets. Our cloud-connected and edge-enabled software platform powers autonomous swarming, Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, and real-time AI analytics—unlocking faster response, smarter decision-making, and safer operations. Built for scalability, SkyfireAI’s solutions deliver repeatable, high-value outcomes across thousands of missions, positioning the company to capitalize on a rapidly expanding global uncrewed systems market projected to exceed $130 billion by 2030. More information is available at skyfireai.com.
About U.S. Space & Rocket Center:
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center, a Smithsonian Affiliate, is home to Space Camp®, Space Camp® Robotics, Aviation Challenge®, U.S. Cyber Camp®, the Space Camp Institute® and the world-class INTUITIVE® Planetarium. The Rocket Center has on display significant artifacts, including the National Historic Landmark Saturn V rocket, the Apollo 16 capsule, and the Pathfinder space shuttle full stack display. It is the Official Visitor Center for NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and a showcase for national defense technologies developed at the U.S. Army’s Redstone Arsenal. To learn more visit rocketcenter.com.
About Darley:
You serve others. We serve you.
Darley provides the highest quality technology and equipment solutions to the Federal Defense community and First Responders. With its origins in Midwest manufacturing, Darley offers our nation’s heroes a complete line of unmanned systems, technology, equipment and pumps. More information is available at darley.com.
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