Startup Ursa Major, specializing in rocket engines, accelerates the development and testing of its DRAPER liquid engine in cooperation with US defense agencies and military contractors. The main goal is to adapt the engine for prospective rockets-interceptors within the framework.
Current development status
- IN 2023 year Ursa Majoor has completed the Draper Engine Term Testing, created for the financing of US Air Force (USAF).
- Test launches were performed at the company's testing ground in Bertuda, Colorado.
- The next step is flight tests, which have to confirm the engine capacity in military and commercial programs, in particular for tugs in space and inter -orbital transport.
Challenges in the field of missile defense
The Iron Dome Program involves the creation of a large number of rockets-interceptors for the destruction of enemy warheads at the initial phase of flight. It requires:
- Compact and light rocket motors with high performance.
- More flexible alternatives by traditional solid fuel engines and hypersonic rectus engines.
Draper is positioned as a mid-range liquid engine, which has the form factor of a solid fuel engine, but provides greater maneuverability and adaptability.
Advantages of the Draper engine
- Type of fuel: gas + Hydrogen peroxide (not cryogenic fuel).
- The main advantage: fuel remains liquid at room temperature, which simplifies storage and ensures instant readiness for use without complex cooling systems.
- Traction: 4000 pounds (about 1,8 tons), which makes Draper suitable for both atmosphere, and for space.
Application in military systems
Draper is considered for:
- Space interceptors within the limits of, which will be placed in orbit to destroy enemy rockets.
- Hypersonic aircraft, able to change the trajectory in flight to hit mobile targets.
- New generation tactical missiles, which require a reliable and light engine.
Cooperation with defense structures
Ursa Major works with several military agencies:
- US Air Force (USAF) is Draper's principal financing partner.
- US Army Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC).
- US Agency (space segment integrator).
The company also negotiate with large defensive contractors, However, specific partners are not disclosed yet.
Further steps and challenges
If the Draper Flight Tests are successful, The next step will be the scale of production. This requires additional support from the US Government, After all, many startups are faced with difficulties in the transition from prototypes to serial release.
Source: https://spacenews.com/ursa-major-eyes-iron-dome-applications-for-its-mid-size-rocket-engine/