Regina Garcia
Ursa Major will work to advance the development of its Draper and Arroway engines to support government programs on hypersonics defense and space launch under a contract from the Air Force Research Laboratory.
The rocket propulsion company said it was tasked with creating and testing the prototype of its 4000-pound-thrust closed cycle hydrogen peroxide engine Draper, which is intended for hypersonic weapon defense operations.
A specialized test stand will also be built to allow for a hotfire engine test over the next 12 months.
Joe Laurienti, founder and CEO of Ursa Major, highlighted Draper’s on-demand launch capability and enhanced maneuverability, considering them as key factors in advanced hypersonic threat simulation.
In addition, Ursa Major will upgrade Arroway, a reusable liquid oxygen and methane staged combustion engine, to bolster space launch operations of medium and heavy rockets.
The total value of the contract was not disclosed.
