#United States #Aerospace Defense #Ursa Major #Berthoud, Colorado #Draper Engine

Ursa Major Secures Major Contract for Space Defense

In a strategic move to bolster national security measures, Ursa Major has been awarded a substantial contract worth $34.9 million from a confidential U.S. aerospace and defense firm. The aim of this contract is to facilitate the development and deployment of the Draper engine, specifically tailored for use in various critical space defense operations.

The decision to invest in the Draper engine underscores the growing demands for high-performance propulsion systems in national security frameworks. The Draper engine is a tactical, storable liquid rocket engine designed to meet the challenges of hypersonic missions and rapid response scenarios, offering remarkable maneuverability in space. With capabilities that include same-day launch readiness akin to solid rocket motors, it also features restart functionalities, throttle control, and precise directional steering for mission versatility. Furthermore, its construction emphasizes both efficiency and cost-effectiveness, being primarily made with 100% American materials and over two-thirds produced via additive manufacturing techniques.

Dan Jablonsky, CEO of Ursa Major, stated, "As adversaries increase their activity in space and missile defense capabilities become multi-domain, Draper provides the responsiveness, control, and flexibility necessary for the U.S. to counter emerging threats." This contract builds on Ursa Major's ongoing development timeline, as it recently secured a $28.6 million contract from the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory to test the engine in flight later this year. This accelerated timeline is a testament to Ursa Major’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge designs into its operational frameworks.

Key Features of the Draper Engine

• - Non-Cryogenic, Non-Toxic Propellants: Unlike many traditional rocket engines, Draper runs on fuels that pose less environmental risk.
• - Closed Catalyst Cycle: This design not only enhances performance but also optimizes efficiency.
• - Proven Reliability: Having undergone over 250 successful hot fires, the engine’s safety and reusability for a ten-year period have been rigorously validated.
• - Additive Manufacturing: The use of advanced manufacturing processes allows for rapid prototyping and lowers production costs, thus speeding up the development lifecycle.

Ursa Major, headquartered in Berthoud, Colorado, and with additive manufacturing operations in Youngstown, Ohio, is making crucial headway in redefining defense capabilities on land, air, sea, and now, in space. The company remains committed to revitalizing the defense industrial base for the U.S. and its allies, focusing on delivering vital capabilities with speed and adaptability.

As military operations increasingly extend into the aerospace sector, the implications of the Draper engine development could redefine operational strategies in space defense and reshape response tactics against global threats. Future advancements in this technology may further delineate Air Force missions, shipping security measures into a new era driven by innovation and operational excellence. For more information on Ursa Major and their pioneering efforts, visit www.ursamajor.com.