Aerospace component manufacturer Ursa Major announced it would evaluate its Draper engine for potential use in missiles as part of the Trump administration’s Iron Dome initiative.
Exploring Applications
Ursa Major introduced Draper in May 2023 and, one year later, successfully hotfired the liquid engine through a partnership with the U.S. Air Force. SpaceNews reported that the startup’s next move will involve flight tests designed to advance Draper and explore commercial and military applications.
Liquid-Propulsion Alternative
According to Ursa Major Chief Product Officer Christopher Spagnoletti, the Draper offers a liquid-propulsion solution that differs from conventional scramjets and solid rocket motors. He noted that the 4,000-pound-thrust engine’s fuel combination eliminates reliance on complex cooling systems, supports long-term storage, and allows immediate use.
Spagnoletti added that Draper’s design would support in-space and atmospheric propulsion, aligning with the Iron Dome initiative’s goal to expedite the development of in-orbit missile interceptors.
SpaceNews also reported that Draper could serve hypersonic glide vehicles, which can perform evasive mid-flight maneuvers to strike moving targets.
Potential Scaling
Spagnoletti stated that the results from the flight tests would determine whether Ursa Major decides to scale production. The startup already works with the Air Force, Army, and Missile Defense Agency, but it declined to disclose any partnerships with defense contractors.
Image credit: Ursa Major
