Ursa Major Launches New Facility for Solid Rocket Development
The 400-acre Facility Expands Capacity for Large-Article SRM Testing, Qualification, and Readiness
Ursa Major has recently initiated construction on a sprawling 400-acre solid rocket motor (SRM) test site, representing a significant enhancement in the company's capabilities. This new facility will allow for extensive design, manufacturing, testing, and qualification of large SRM systems crucial for missile programs and national defense efforts.
Dan Jablonsky, the CEO of Ursa Major, emphasized the importance of this new site, stating, "This facility represents a major step forward in our ability to deliver qualified SRMs that are scalable, flexible, and ready to meet the evolving threat environment." The commitment to bolster the U.S. industrial base for solid rocket motors is evident, ensuring our armed forces have the necessary resources to effectively carry out their missions.
The latest facility is designed for safe, full-scale static firings and will serve as a qualification site for the company’s large-scale SRMs. It is set to support both current and future missile systems, thereby accelerating the journey to production. The site will allow for various qualification processes, including drop testing and temperature storage testing, which are essential for validating SRMs produced through Ursa Major's innovative Lynx manufacturing process. This process, driven by software and supported by additive manufacturing, accommodates multiple motor sizes ranging from 2 to 22 inches in diameter, as well as various thrust profiles without needing to retool the equipment.
This groundbreaking comes after a remarkable year for Ursa Major's SRM program, which has included four successful SRM flight tests and over 450 static fire tests. These tests have showcased the company's capability to achieve scale and repeatability across various systems. Notable achievements include the successful firings of a 5-inch diameter SRM, affirming Ursa Major's proprietary manufacturing method, as well as numerous static fires of a highly loaded grain motor with a 10-inch diameter. Additionally, there have been static fire tests for a 2.75-inch HLG SRM designed to enhance range when used with laser-guided systems.
With significant backing from U.S. Navy investments, Ursa Major is focused on scaling its production and expanding its physical testing infrastructure. This modernization effort is crucial to meet today's defense demands swiftly and efficiently compared to traditional providers. Construction on the test site is already progressing, and testing is expected to commence in the last quarter of 2025.
About Ursa Major
Ursa Major is an innovative aerospace and defense entity delivering proven capabilities across hypersonics, solid rocket motors, in-space propulsion, and launch services. The company is headquartered in Berthoud, Colorado, with additive manufacturing operations in Youngstown, Ohio. Ursa Major employs cutting-edge production techniques and versatile architectures to create systems for a variety of platforms: land, air, sea, and space. The company's mission is to revitalize the defense industrial base for the U.S. and allied nations, accelerating the delivery of essential capabilities where timeliness and adaptability are pivotal. For more information, visit www.ursamajor.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ursa Major’s new facility focused on?
The new facility is dedicated to solid rocket motor testing and qualification, expanding capabilities for missile defense systems.
Where is the new Ursa Major site located?
The facility is being built on a 400-acre site, designed specifically for SRM testing and qualification processes.
How many static fire tests has Ursa Major completed?
Ursa Major has conducted over 450 static fire tests, demonstrating their manufacturing efficiency and reliability.
Who is the CEO of Ursa Major?
Dan Jablonsky is the CEO, leading the company's efforts to advance solid rocket motor capabilities.
When is the testing at the new site expected to begin?
Testing at the new site is expected to commence in the fourth quarter of 2025.
