Ursa Major

Ursa Major

Develops propulsion systems for aerospace industry

About Ursa Major

Simplify's Rating
Why Ursa Major is rated
B-
Rated D+ on Competitive Edge
Rated B on Growth Potential
Rated A on Rating Differentiation

Industries

Aerospace

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

Grant

Total Funding

$267M

Headquarters

Berthoud, Colorado

Founded

2015

Overview

Ursa Major develops propulsion systems specifically for the aerospace industry, focusing on engines for space launch vehicles and hypersonic applications. Their engines are designed to be reliable and cost-effective, addressing a significant issue in aerospace where propulsion failures have led to many launch setbacks. Ursa Major serves a variety of clients, including private space companies and government agencies, by providing launch-ready propulsion solutions that help reduce the financial and technical challenges of engine development. Unlike many competitors, Ursa Major emphasizes making advanced propulsion technology accessible, allowing clients to achieve successful launches without the extensive resources typically needed for engine development. The company's goal is to enhance space exploration and hypersonic travel by delivering engines that balance performance, reliability, and affordability.

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Recent $12.5M Pentagon contract boosts solid rocket engine production capabilities.
  • Expansion into Youngstown, Ohio, creates new jobs and enhances manufacturing capacity.
  • Growing demand for hypersonic propulsion aligns with Ursa Major's technological focus.

What critics are saying

  • Competition from SpaceX and Blue Origin threatens market share.
  • Reliance on government contracts risks exposure to defense budget cuts.
  • Expansion into new facilities involves significant capital expenditure and operational risks.

What makes Ursa Major unique

  • Ursa Major specializes in propulsion systems for microsatellite and nanosatellite launches.
  • Over 80% of their engines are additively manufactured using innovative materials.
  • They focus on cost-effective, reliable propulsion solutions for space and hypersonic applications.

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Funding

Total Funding

$267M

Above

Industry Average

Funded Over

7 Rounds

Grant funding comparison data is currently unavailable. We're working to provide this information soon!
Grant Funding Comparison
Coming Soon

Benefits

Unlimited Paid Time Off

Paid Parental and Adoptive Leave

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account

Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

Wellness Program

Retirement Savings Plan - Traditional 401(k) and a Roth 401(k)

Company Equity

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

1%

1 year growth

0%

2 year growth

2%
Interesting Engineering
Feb 18th, 2025
Iron Dome for America: US firm pitches powerful hypersonic engine for missile defense

In 2023, the US Air Force awarded Ursa Major a contract to develop its Draper and Arroway engines.

SpaceNews
Feb 17th, 2025
Ursa Major eyes 'Iron Dome' applications for its mid-size rocket engine

WASHINGTON - Rocket propulsion startup Ursa Major is accelerating development and testing of its Draper liquid rocket engine in collaboration with U.S. defense agencies and military contractors.

Defence Blog
Dec 19th, 2024
Next-gen rocket motor clears crucial development phase

Ursa Major, which has conducted nearly 300 static test fires this year alone, is leveraging its capabilities to produce agile solid rocket motor solutions at an accelerated pace.

MBT Magazine
Dec 18th, 2024
RTX's Raytheon and Ursa Major Conduct Successful Flight Test

Raytheon has selected Ursa Major's advanced propulsion technology as a key enabler to provide affordable solutions for the U.S. Army at extended ranges.

Politico
Dec 16th, 2024
Alpine Group scoops up defense tech lobbyist

Abbey Overland will join the firm next month from rocket propulsion startup Ursa Major, where she served as senior vice president of Washington operations.

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