All articles tagged with #ursa major
A Russian arms ship, Ursa Major, sank off Cartagena after carrying suspected nuclear submarine reactor components, possibly destined for North Korea, with investigations suggesting suspicious circumstances and potential covert military cargo.
United Launch Alliance's Delta IV Heavy rocket completes its final mission, Rocket Lab plans to reuse a previously flown Electron rocket first stage tank, Virgin Orbit's IP library is available for licensing at $3 million, Virgin Galactic countersues Boeing over a project to develop a new mothership aircraft, and Ursa Major signs a contract with the US Navy to develop and test solid fuel rocket engines.
Ursa Major's Hadley engine successfully powered the first flight of Stratolaunch's Talon hypersonic test vehicle, reaching high supersonic speeds approaching Mach 5. The company's use of 3D printing allows for rapid engine manufacturing, and it plans to expand into solid rocket motors. This milestone marks progress in advancing hypersonic flight for both military and private sector applications.
Colorado-based startup Ursa Major has raised $138 million in Series D funding to develop 3-D printing technology for the production of solid rocket motors, aiming to help replenish the depleted missile arsenal of the US. The company's expansion into defense comes as its commercial engine business struggled to compete with SpaceX. Ursa Major's new investors include RTX Ventures, the VC arm of defense giant Raytheon, which produces anti-aircraft and anti-armor missiles. The startup aims to address the industry consolidation that has left the US with just two large makers of solid-fuel rocket motors, Aerojet Rocketdyne and Northrop Grumman's Orbital ATK division.
Rocket engine startup Ursa Major plans to disrupt the solid rocket motors market by utilizing additive manufacturing techniques, commonly known as 3D printing. The company aims to address the broken supply chain and outdated processes in the industry, which have been exposed by the conflict in Ukraine. Ursa Major intends to develop motors ranging from 2 to 22.5 inches in diameter and has already tested a six-inch pathfinder prototype. The company has an undisclosed U.S. government customer and aims to supply motors to the Department of Defense while partnering with other manufacturers. Ursa Major is one of several startups attempting to enter the solid rocket motors business, challenging the dominance of incumbents like Northrop Grumman and Aerojet Rocketdyne.
This week is the best for stargazing as it's New Moon, with a waning crescent Moon beside Jupiter on May 17, and a crescent Moon, Venus, and Mars on May 21. Axiom-2, the second privately funded mission to the International Space Station, is scheduled to launch on May 17. The constellation of the week is Ursa Major, and the object of the week is Mizar and Alcor.