In a significant development for the defense industry, Ursa Major, a burgeoning rocket propulsion startup, has successfully completed a flight test of its solid rocket motor on a Raytheon missile for the U.S. Army.
The recent test marks a pivotal milestone for Ursa Major, a Colorado-based company, as it seeks to establish itself as a reliable supplier in the competitive solid rocket motor market. CEO Dan Jablonsky announced that their approximately 10-inch diameter motor was tested on an undisclosed missile system. This breakthrough comes amid a surge in demand for weapons systems, fueled by ongoing conflicts in regions such as Ukraine and the Middle East.
Traditionally, the solid rocket motor market has been dominated by industry giants like Northrop Grumman and L3Harris’ Aerojet Rocketdyne. However, the entry of startups like Ursa Major is introducing fresh competition, with promises of faster production times and reduced costs. These new entrants are increasingly attractive to defense contractors seeking innovative solutions.
Raytheon, a key player in the defense sector, has invested in Ursa Major through its venture capital arm, RTX Ventures. This investment occurred during Ursa Major’s $138 million funding rounds in 2023. The collaboration aims to leverage Ursa Major’s 3D manufacturing capabilities to enhance the production efficiency of munitions for the U.S. military.
The CEO of Ursa Major expressed confidence in meeting the country’s demands for more efficient solid rocket motors. “We are poised to scale the production of higher-performing solid rocket motors at the pace and volume the country requires,” Jablonsky conveyed during a media briefing.
Ursa Major’s product lineup ranges from motors with diameters of 2 to 22.5 inches, catering to a diverse array of tactical weapon systems currently in high demand by military clients. Notably, the company recently secured a $12.5 million investment from the Department of Defense’s Office of Strategic Capital, complemented by matching funds from Ursa Major itself. This financial backing is intended to advance the company’s Lynx solid rocket motor manufacturing process.
Looking ahead, Raytheon plans to conduct additional flight tests in 2025, with the goal of achieving full qualification by 2026. This continued testing is pivotal to ensuring the compatibility and effectiveness of Ursa Major’s motors within various defense applications.
The collaboration between Raytheon and Ursa Major signifies a noteworthy shift in the defense sector, highlighting the increasing role of startups in driving innovation and efficiency. As Ursa Major continues to refine its technology and expand its manufacturing capabilities, the defense industry can anticipate a shift towards more cost-effective and faster solutions for solid rocket motors.
Source: Spacenews
