Rocket engine startup Ursa Major launches new 3D printing lab in Ohio

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Thomas Pomorski of Ursa Major gets ready to move one of its Hadley engine chambers. Image Source- Ursa Major

Rocket engine startup Ursa Major expands 3D printing capabilities with new $14.5 million research center in Ohio, boosting its capacity to meet growing defense contracts.

Rocket propulsion startup Ursa Major has broadened its additive manufacturing footprint with a new center in Youngstown, Ohio that it announced July 25.

The company already offers to 3D print rocket engine components and solid rocket motors, building on its work in partnership with America Makes at the Advanced Manufacturing Lab established in 2021.

Launched in 2012, America Makes is a public-private partnership with the U.S. government that works to accelerate additive manufacturing and improve domestic industrial competitiveness.

At Ursa Major’s new facility, it has invested $14.5 million in capital with a JobsOhio grant of $4 million.

Ursa Major's Thomas Pomorski prepares one of its Hadley engine chambers for transport
Thomas Pomorski of Ursa Major gets ready to move one of its Hadley engine chambers. Image credit – Ursa Major

The company has current contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense, and is conducting development work for propulsion technology to be used in national security programs under contract on behalf of the U.S. Air Force The engine features among others a reusable liquid oxygen and methane staged combustion cycle for medium to heavy class launch vehicles, with prospects of hotfiring the Arroway in 2025 supported by research from Air Force Research Laboratory.

“Ursa Major is expanding its R&D efforts to meet a rapidly growing portfolio of U.S. Department of Defense development contracts,” said Joe Laurienti, CEO of Ursa Major.

Laurienti cited Ohio’s access to raw materials, suppliers, and a robust additive manufacturing ecosystem supported by the America Makes program as key factors in the expansion decision.

The center will expedite material development and qualification in additive manufacturing for aerospace applications. Some of this work involves creation of metallic alloys suitable for solid rocket motors as well difficult-to-machine copper and nickel alloys used in liquid fueled rocket engines.

Inside will be advanced 3D printers for rapid prototyping and material development, both vital to driving innovation in propulsion technology faster than ever.

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