Ursa Major Technologies has recently secured a contract with the US Navy to manufacture a new 3D-printed solid rocket motor for the Standard Missile program. As part of this initiative, the Colorado-based company will collaborate with various Navy entities including the Program Executive Office – Integrated Warfare Systems (PEO-IWS), the Naval Air Warfare Center, and the Naval Surface Warfare Center to develop a new design for the Mk-104 dual rocket motor currently used in the navy’s SM-2, SM-3, and SM-6 missiles.
The shortage of domestic suppliers and the requirement to support Ukraine in its conflict have further emphasized the importance of this endeavor. Captain Thomas Seigenthaler, Director of PEO-IWS, stated that ramping up missile motor production has become a top priority for the Navy. To meet this demand, Ursa Major will utilize groundbreaking manufacturing technology called “Lynx,” which leverages additive manufacturing for enhanced manufacturability and reliability.
Ursa Major CEO Joe Laurienti expressed pride in being recognized as a trusted partner by the Navy in creating the next generation of solid rocket motors. The company believes that utilizing Lynx technology will help overcome production bottlenecks and increase efficiency in rocket production. By introducing high-performing motors at scale, Ursa Major aims to drive volume and cost efficiencies to meet critical national demand for solid rocket motors. Their utilization of additive manufacturing represents a significant step forward in rocket motor production.
