Ursa Major Completes Navy Solid Rocket Motor Pathfinder Effort

Rocket engine manufacturer Ursa Major has finalized its Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) Manufacturing Pathfinder Program, a collaborative initiative with the U.S. Navy and the Office of Strategic Capital (OSC). This cost-sharing effort concluded in February 2026, representing a combined $25 million investment from the three partners. The program's completion signifies a successful effort to validate domestic manufacturing capabilities for a critical class of motors utilized by the Navy.

During the program, Ursa Major achieved key engineering and production milestones. The company designed, constructed, and conducted static firing tests on a 10-inch HLG SRM prototype. Concurrently, they developed and characterized a proprietary propellant for this motor. The prototype met all specified performance and burn-duration targets, establishing both a technical foundation and a manufacturing framework for future Navy systems requiring a 10-inch-diameter SRM.

The company highlighted that this program proves the efficacy of targeted government investment in achieving rapid, tangible results. Ursa Major CEO Chris Spagnoletti stated that the partnership translated capital into measurable outcomes, scaling manufacturing capacity and advancing a production model designed for speed. He emphasized that investing in companies focused on execution, innovation, and manufacturability is crucial for rebuilding the defense industrial base and delivering credible, scalable capabilities.

To support this program, Ursa Major significantly invested in expanding its facilities and refining its processes, thereby increasing its overall SRM output. Each milestone was strategically designed to pave the way for the development of larger systems. The initiative also allowed the company to enhance its Lynx production method, a shared, modular approach designed for subsystem commonality. Lynx aims to reduce tooling costs and lead times while improving flexibility and scalability across various motor configurations, positioning Ursa Major to increase production in line with Navy demand.