WASHINGTON — Rocket propulsion startup Ursa Major announced Dec. 18 that one of its solid rocket motors completed a successful flight test on a Raytheon-built missile for the U.S. Army.
The Colorado-based company’s approximately 10-inch diameter motor was tested on an undisclosed missile system, CEO Dan Jablonsky told reporters. He said the test represents a crucial milestone as defense contractors seek new suppliers amid growing demand for weapons systems.
Weapons manufacturers are trying to secure new sources for solid rocket motors, driven by increased weapons demand for conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. The market has traditionally been dominated by Northrop Grumman and L3Harris’ Aerojet Rocketdyne.
Raytheon, which invested in Ursa Major through its venture capital arm RTX Ventures during the startup’s $138 million funding rounds in 2023, is exploring the company’s 3D manufacturing capabilities to reduce costs and accelerate munitions production for the U.S. military.
“We are poised to scale the production of higher-performing solid rocket motors at the pace and volume the country requires,” Jablonsky said during a media briefing.
The company’s product range includes motors from 2 to 22.5 inches in diameter, covering specifications for many tactical weapon systems currently in high demand by military customers.
Ursa Major recently secured a $12.5 million investment from the Department of Defense’s Office of Strategic Capital, with matching funds from the company, to further develop its Lynx solid rocket motor manufacturing process.
According to Jablonsky, Raytheon plans to conduct additional flight tests in 2025, with qualification expected in 2026.
Sandra Erwin writes about military space programs, policy, technology and the industry that supports this sector. She has covered the military, the Pentagon, Congress and the defense industry for nearly two decades as editor of NDIA’s National Defense…
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