Rocket Engine Startup Ursa Major to Venture into Solid Propulsion

Rocket Engine Startup Ursa Major to Venture into Solid Propulsion

Rocket engine startup Ursa Major is expanding its reach into the solid rocket motor market, the company announced on November 20, 2023. This move marks a significant shift for the company, which has previously focused on developing liquid propulsion systems.

The decision to enter the solid propulsion market is driven by the company's belief that additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, can be used to disrupt the industry and create more efficient and cost-effective solid rocket motors.

"The production of solid rocket motors in the United States is plagued by a broken supply chain and an overextended industrial base," said Ursa Major CEO Joe Laurienti. "Most folks weren't really paying attention to the industrial base around this until Russia's invasion of Ukraine."

The war in Ukraine has disrupted supplies of key materials and components used in solid rocket motor production, forcing many companies to scramble for alternatives. This has created an opportunity for new entrants like Ursa Major to enter the market with innovative solutions.

Ursa Major believes that its additive manufacturing capabilities can be used to produce solid rocket motors that are lighter, stronger, and more reliable than those currently in use. The company is also developing new manufacturing processes that could significantly reduce the cost of producing solid rocket motors.

"We believe that we can use additive manufacturing to create a new generation of solid rocket motors that are more efficient, cost-effective, and reliable," said Laurienti. "We are excited to be at the forefront of this new era of solid propulsion."

Ursa Major is not alone in its pursuit of solid propulsion innovation. Several other startups are also developing new technologies for solid rocket motors, including X-Bow Systems and Adranos.

The increasing interest in solid propulsion is being driven by the growing demand for smaller, more affordable rockets. Solid rocket motors are a more mature technology than liquid rocket motors, and they are also simpler to manufacture and operate. This makes them a more attractive option for many small satellite launch vehicles.

Ursa Major's entry into the solid propulsion market is a significant development for the space industry. The company's innovative approach to additive manufacturing has the potential to revolutionize the way solid rocket motors are designed and manufactured. If Ursa Major is successful, it could help to usher in a new era of more affordable and accessible space access.

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