Next Generation Upper Stage Engine for National Security Launches

Ursa proposes the initial steps in the development of the Samus engine – a 50,000 lbf liquid oxygen/hydrogen fuel rich staged combustion rocket engine for upper stages on medium and heavy lift launch vehicles. Samus could supplement and/or replace the RL-10, the legacy upper-stage engine currently slotted for the majority of next generation launch vehicles serving the Air Force’s National Security Launch Missions as well as the Space Launch System. Samus will utilize the latest in 3D printing and agile engine development to deliver 2x the thrust of an RL-10 at a production price per pound of thrust 10x lower. In addition to the development of this new upper stage engine, the initial development work on Samus will provide the foundation for an in-space nuclear thermal propulsion engine.