MOJAVE, Calif. – Nov. 2, 2026 – Stratolaunch, a leading pure‑play hypersonics company, today announced that its Talon‑A vehicle, the only autonomous, reusable, air-launched hypersonic flight test platform in the U.S., has been named the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in California in the large manufactures bracket by the California Manufacturers & Technology Association (“CMTA”).
Stratolaunch’s Talon-A platform represents a significant advancement in America’s ability to rapidly design, develop and test next-generation hypersonic capabilities. With more than 10 successful hypersonic flights completed to date, Talon‑A enables faster, more affordable, and more realistic hypersonic development in support of national security needs.
“We are incredibly honored to see Talon‑A recognized as the Coolest Thing Made in California, especially at a time when advancing our nation’s hypersonic capabilities has never been more important,” said Zachary Krevor, President & CEO of Stratolaunch. “This award reflects the extraordinary talent and dedication of our employees, whose creativity and expertise make breakthroughs like Talon‑A possible. As we continue supporting the development of U.S. hypersonic capabilities, we’re grateful to call California home and excited to contribute to the state’s long legacy of manufacturing excellence and forward‑thinking ingenuity.”
“Californians are paying attention to what’s being built in their state, and this year’s voters showed it,” said Lance Hastings, President & CEO of the California Manufacturers & Technology Association. “Seeing an aircraft win for the second year in a row tells us people are excited about where California aerospace is headed. Talon-A is a remarkable example of the innovation happening in Mojave, and the Stratolaunch team should be proud. Congratulations on being named the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in California in the large manufacturers bracket.”
Voters awarded Stratolaunch the top honor in recognition of its groundbreaking, fully reusable and autonomous approach to hypersonic flight testing, selecting Talon-A from more than 115 advanced technologies and products manufactured in the state. Stratolaunch designed, built and currently operates Talon-A from its 268,000-sq-ft facilities in Mojave, Calif. Talon-A is carried to altitude by a Stratolaunch carrier aircraft before being air-launched to conduct fully autonomous flights at speeds exceeding Mach 5 – more than five times the speed of sound – before returning to a standard runway. Talon-A provides repeatable access to the hypersonic environment, allowing customers to generate real-world flight data more quickly and affordably, supporting the accelerated development of next-generation technologies.
The Coolest Thing Made in California is an annual competition recognizing innovation, engineering excellence and products that shape the state’s economy and future. California is home to approximately 45,000 manufacturing firms, collectively contributing $382 billion annually and employing 1.2 million workers. Stratolaunch is proud to be a part of that community, continuing the state’s rich tradition of technology leadership and manufacturing prowess.
About Stratolaunch
Stratolaunch is a leading pure-play hypersonics company focused on the design, manufacture and operation of advanced aerospace systems to meet national security needs. The company enables faster, more affordable and more realistic hypersonic development through an autonomous, reusable, air-launched flight test platform and a growing portfolio of hypersonic target and mission-system offerings. For the latest news and information, visit www.stratolaunch.com and follow us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
