The Pentagon has awarded a $12.5 million contract to Ursa Major, a U.S. rocket propulsion startup, to expand its production and testing capabilities for new solid fuel rocket engines. This investment is part of a broader effort to bolster domestic rocket manufacturing capacity.
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| Ursa Major is poised to play a key role in the future of U.S. space exploration and national security as it expands its solid fuel rocket engine capabilities with support from the Pentagon. Symbolic image |
Pentagon, Virginia, USA - September 17, 2024:
Ursa Major, a promising U.S. rocket propulsion startup, has received a significant boost from the Pentagon with a $12.5 million contract to expand its solid fuel rocket engine production and testing capabilities. This award is part of a broader effort by the U.S. government to increase domestic rocket manufacturing capacity to meet growing demand, particularly in light of ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Israel.
The contract, funded in part by the Pentagon's Office of Strategic Capital, is a strategic investment aimed at strengthening the defense industrial base's supply chain. The Navy's additional contribution and Ursa Major's matching funds will result in a substantial expansion of the company's solid rocket motor capabilities.
This investment is aligned with the Pentagon's Transition Acceleration Program, which focuses on funding the development of promising defense technologies. Ursa Major's Advanced Manufacturing Pathfinder program, funded by the company's portion of the investment, will involve the design, manufacture, and testing of a solid rocket motor prototype.
The significance of this award extends beyond the immediate benefits to Ursa Major. It represents a tangible step forward in the Pentagon's efforts to bolster domestic rocket propulsion capabilities. By supporting startups like Ursa Major, the government is investing in the future of U.S. space exploration and national security.
As the demand for rocket engines continues to rise, the Pentagon's investment in Ursa Major is a strategic move to ensure a reliable and sustainable supply chain for critical defense technologies.