Ursa Major has entered into a significant agreement valued at $32.9 million with Stratolaunch to assemble and provide cutting-edge rocket engines, marking a substantial advancement in hypersonic flight capabilities. The agreement includes the delivery of 16 engines based on Ursa Major’s Hadley H13 technology, specifically designed to support Stratolaunch’s hypersonic testing initiatives.
Stratolaunch, a strategic partner in the U.S. Navy’s Multiservice Advanced Capability Test Bed (MACH-TB) program, aims to gather crucial data on high-speed flights, which are essential for the development of next-generation aircraft and weapon systems. This collaboration highlights the increasing importance of hypersonic technologies in national defense strategies.
The Hadley H13 propulsion system has been touted as an upgraded, more sustainable option that emphasizes reusability. This innovation not only reduces launch costs but also aligns with the various mission objectives of military and aerospace operations. The engine has proven its effectiveness by powering several hypersonic flights of the MACH-TB’s testbed vehicle, Talon-A, which is engineered to reach speeds exceeding Mach 5—over 6,174 kilometers per hour (or roughly 3,836 miles per hour).
Furthermore, Talon-A plays a pivotal role in the Missile Defense Agency’s trials focused on developing future air defense solutions designed to counter emerging hypersonic threats.
Dan Jablonsky, CEO of Ursa Major, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating that the contract plays a vital role in bolstering U.S. hypersonic testing capabilities. He emphasized the urgency of advancing high-speed flight programs that are critical to national security, confirming that Ursa Major is dedicated to delivering capabilities at a faster pace and in a scalable manner without sacrificing performance.
The collaboration highlights the accelerating momentum in the realm of hypersonic technology, underscoring both its strategic significance and the commitment of industry leaders to meet emerging defense needs.
