Ursa Major

About

We are Ursa Major, America's only privately funded company that focuses solely on rocket propulsion. Our mission is to bring high-performance, staged combustion engines to the market for space launch and hypersonic applications. We serve a range of customers, from 'New Space' startups to enterprise-level aerospace leaders and the U.S. government, helping them get to flight faster, more reliably, and more cost-effectively. We are committed to leading the industry in availability, reliability, affordability, and reusability through our dedication to continuous innovation and efficient production of rocket engines. Founded in 2015 by Joe Laurienti, a former SpaceX and Blue Origin propulsion engineer, we have been pushing the boundaries of aerospace and defense ever since. A significant milestone for us was becoming the first American company to fire an oxygen-rich staged combustion engine, a feat previously only achieved by Russian engine-makers. This allows us to provide reusable, high-performing propulsion systems for a variety of critical missions. Our headquarters are located in Berthoud, Colorado, on a 90-acre campus that co-locates engineering, manufacturing, and testing operations. This setup enables unmatched development time and rapid iteration. We also have an Advanced Manufacturing Lab in Youngstown, Ohio, which is home to our 3D printing of proprietary copper alloys and plays a key role in our rapid prototyping, research, and development for future products. We build and value strong relationships, believe in open and transparent communication, and always strive to put others before ourselves because we are a team.