SkyfireAI partners with Space & Rocket Center and Darley to advance real-world drone training and education

HUNTSVILLE — On the heels of this week’s announcement that the U.S. Space Command is being permanently relocated to Redstone Arsenal, a Huntsville company is joining with the U.S. Space & Rocket Center to further elevate the Rocket City as America’s epicenter for aerospace and unmanned systems innovation.

SkyfireAI is partnering with the Space & Rocket Center and W.S. Darley & Co., to heighten real-world drone training, public safety readiness, and STEM education in alignment with this new strategic center of gravity for space command leadership, a news release said.

Under the agreement, SkyfireAI will work with the 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.

“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.”

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 said it will provide hands-on, scenario-based training that mirrors real-world conditions. Multiple National Institute of Standards and Technology 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, the news release said.

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.

“For decades, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center has inspired students and professionals alike through space and aviation training,” Dr. Kay Taylor, vice president of education at the  Space Center said. “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.”

According to the news release, 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, the news release said.

“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.”