Ursa Major Appoints Dan Jablonsky As CEO Amid Expansion Plans

Ursa Major announced on August 1st that Dan Jablonsky, the former CEO of Maxar Technologies, will be its new Chief Executive Officer effective August 5th.

This leadership change marks a significant milestone as the company aims to broaden its influence in the space and defense industries. Jablonsky takes over from Joe Laurienti, co-founder of Ursa Major, who has been at the helm since the company's inception nine years ago.

Ursa Major has carved out a niche in developing and manufacturing rocket engines tailored for space launch, hypersonic, and solid rocket motor applications.

The transition in leadership aligns with Ursa Major's strategic vision to expand its market presence. The company recently celebrated the successful flight of its Hadley small rocket engine in March and has announced plans to establish a new research and development facility in Youngstown, Ohio.

“To continue advancing Ursa Major’s work in space, hypersonics, and solid rocket motors, now is the right time for the company to bring in a new leader with the expertise and track record to successfully guide the company into further reaches of scale and impact,” - Joe Laurienti, Co-Founder of Ursa Major

Dan Jablonsky brings a wealth of industry experience to Ursa Major. During his tenure at Maxar Technologies, he played a crucial role in the company's take-private acquisition by Advent International. His strategic vision and leadership are expected to be pivotal as Ursa Major scales up its operations.

“I have followed Ursa Major’s many successes over the past nine years and am confident in the impact that its advanced technology and manufacturing approaches will have on the space and defense communities for years to come...I look forward to enhancing America’s national security and expanding U.S. critical space and defense infrastructure capabilities.” - Dan Jablonsky, Former CEO of Maxar Technologies

Ursa Major, headquartered in Berthoud, Colorado, has made significant strides with its innovative engine designs. The company, backed by both private and government funding, has developed the Hadley engine, which produces 5,000 pounds of thrust, and the Ripley engine, designed for medium-launch markets with a thrust of 50,000 pounds. Additionally, Ursa Major is advancing the Arroway engine, capable of generating 200,000 pounds of thrust, and the Draper engine, targeted at hypersonic and defense applications.

As Ursa Major continues to push the boundaries of rocket propulsion technology, the appointment of Dan Jablonsky is seen as a strategic move to navigate the company through its next phase of growth and innovation.