Ursa Major Secures Major Defense Contract for 3D-Printed Rocket Motors

Ursa Major, a company specializing in the production of rocket motors through 3D printing, has been awarded a significant $12.5 million contract from the Department of Defense’s Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) and the U.S. Navy. This contract, matched by Ursa Major, brings the total allocated funding for the project to $25 million.

• The contract will be used to develop new solid-fuel rocket engines, a critical technology in defense applications.
• The $12.5 million investment marks the first publicly announced funding from the OSC, which has faced challenges in gaining congressional approval since its launch in 2022.

The Importance of Innovation in Defense Rocket Motor Production

This investment highlights the government’s urgent need for advancements in rocket motor production. The war in Ukraine has highlighted the vulnerability of the U.S.’s supply of solid rocket motors, as only a limited number of defense companies can produce them.

• Bill Murray, Ursa Major’s chief product officer, expressed concerns about the current rate of production, stating that replacing existing motors could take 5 to 18 years.
• This underscores the reliance on outdated production techniques and the need for innovative solutions.

Ursa Major's 3D Printing Advantage: Accelerating Production and Revolutionizing Design

Ursa Major’s focus on 3D printing, or additive manufacturing, offers a compelling alternative to traditional methods. This technology allows for rapid prototyping, iterative design improvements, and streamlined production of complex parts.

• While traditional manufacturing can take over a year, Ursa Major can produce a rocket motor in less than a month using 3D printing.
• This rapid production capability is critical for meeting the urgent needs of defense applications.
• 3D printing eliminates the need to weld together numerous parts, allowing for the creation of solid, single-piece components.

Ursa Major's Track Record of Defense Innovation

Ursa Major, established in 2015, has a proven track record of securing government contracts for defense projects.

• Last year, the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory awarded Ursa Major a contract to develop an engine for hypersonic launch, demonstrating the company's expertise in advanced propulsion systems.
• The current contract further solidifies Ursa Major's position as a leading innovator in defense technology.

The Future of Defense Technology: Collaboration and Innovation

This investment underscores the Department of Defense’s commitment to fostering innovation in defense technology.

• By partnering with startups like Ursa Major, the Navy aims to leverage cutting-edge technologies to shape the future of defense capabilities.
• Ursa Major's success highlights the potential of 3D printing and additive manufacturing to revolutionize defense technology, offering faster production cycles, enhanced design flexibility, and increased efficiency.

Key Takeaways

Ursa Major's contract win is a significant development in the defense industry, marking a shift toward embracing innovation and advanced manufacturing techniques.

• The US Navy's investment signifies a strategic shift towards partnering with startups to develop cutting-edge solutions for defense applications.
• Ursa Major's use of 3D printing for rocket motor production represents a transformative approach to defense technology, accelerating development cycles and enhancing design flexibility.