Ursa Major Secures Major Defense Contract

Ursa Major, a Colorado-based startup specializing in 3D-printed rocket propulsion systems, has secured a significant $12.5 million contract from the Pentagon to ramp up production and testing of its innovative solid-fuel rocket engines. This substantial investment underscores the growing need for enhanced defense capabilities and the Pentagon's proactive approach to strengthening its pool of rocket suppliers.

Defense Focus and Expansion

The contract marks a notable development in Ursa Major's journey, signifying its entry into a defense-focused market. The company has been actively developing rocket engines for both commercial space launches and hypersonic vehicles, demonstrating its expertise across diverse applications.

This deal is a direct response to the Pentagon's strategic initiative to expand its roster of rocket suppliers.

This is driven by the dwindling munitions supplies resulting from the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Israel.

Funding and Partnerships

The contract award comes just under a year after Ursa Major successfully raised $138 million in Series D and D-1 funding from prominent investors like RTX Ventures, BlackRock, and Explorer 1 Fund. These investments fueled the company's expansion into the defense sector, allowing them to advance production for rocket launches and hypersonic vehicles.

The Pentagon's recent award comes from the Office of Strategic Capital, a newly formed fund dedicated to fostering public-private partnerships in crucial national security technology areas.

This funding represents a key allocation to bolster the defense supply chain's industrial base.

The Navy is also supporting the initiative by matching the Pentagon's $12.5 million investment, resulting in a total $25 million boost to Ursa Major's solid rocket motor capabilities.

Advanced Manufacturing and Testing

The funding will empower Ursa Major to refine its manufacturing process under the Office of Strategic Capital's Transition Acceleration Program, a program focused on accelerating the development of future defense technologies.

Ursa Major's share of the investment will be dedicated to completing an Advanced Manufacturing Pathfinder program, encompassing the design, manufacture, and testing of a solid rocket motor prototype.

This program is crucial for refining the company's production capabilities, ensuring the delivery of reliable and high-performance rocket engines for defense applications.

Strengthening the Defense Industrial Base

In a space industry dominated by giants like SpaceX and Boeing, Ursa Major is establishing itself as a critical player in fortifying the U.S. defense industrial base. The company's innovative approach to rocket propulsion, leveraging 3D printing technology, is attracting significant attention and support.

Ursa Major's expertise in oxygen-rich staged combustion engine technology sets it apart, making it the first U.S. company to successfully test this technology, previously only achieved by Russian manufacturers.

Versatility and Applications

Ursa Major's commitment to developing reusable, high-performance propulsion systems caters to diverse needs, including commercial space ventures, defense contractors, and the Department of Defense. These systems are engineered to support a wide range of applications, from rocket launches to hypersonic vehicles, and are crucial for national security missions.