Ursa Major has secured a $12.5 million contract from the U.S. Department of Defense’s Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) and the U.S. Navy to develop solid-fuel rocket engines using 3D printing technology. The company, known for its additive manufacturing approach, will match the government funding, bringing the total allocation for the project to $25 million. This marks the first publicly announced funding from the OSC, which has faced delays in securing its $144 million congressional budget since its establishment in 2022.
Ursa Major’s contract highlights the military’s need for innovations in rocket motor production, especially as the war in Ukraine strains the U.S. supply of solid rocket motors. Bill Murray, Ursa Major’s chief product officer, stated that traditional production methods could take years to replace current motors, whereas Ursa Major’s 3D-printed engines can be produced in under a month. This rapid manufacturing process allows for faster iterations and reduces the complexity of assembling multiple parts, streamlining production overall.
Founded in 2015, Ursa Major has previously collaborated with government agencies, including a contract with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory to develop engines for hypersonic launches. Murray emphasized that this latest funding reflects the military’s commitment to fostering innovation by partnering with startups like Ursa Major to shape future defense technologies.
