Belfield native takes helm at major U.S. rocket company – The Dickinson Press

BERTHOUD, Colo. — Dan Jablonsky, a Belfield, North Dakota native, has been named the new CEO of Ursa Major, a leading American company specializing in rocket and missile propulsion, effective Aug. 5, 2024. Jablonsky, who succeeds founder Joe Laurienti, brings over a decade of leadership experience in aerospace and defense. Most recently, he served as president and CEO of Maxar Technologies.

Ursa Major is a prominent player in the aerospace industry, specializing in advanced rocket and missile propulsion technologies. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Berthoud, Colorado, the company has quickly established itself as a leader in developing high-performance propulsion systems. Ursa Major’s innovations are integral to various space exploration missions and defense applications, positioning the company as a key contributor to both national security and the future of space travel.

The company’s flagship products include the Hadley rocket engine, which has been instrumental in recent successful launches and the company’s new research and development facility in Ohio, which signifies a strategic expansion aimed at advancing its technology and capabilities. Ursa Major’s emphasis on cutting-edge technology and its commitment to pushing the boundaries of aerospace and defense make it a crucial entity in its sector.

Outgoing CEO Joe Laurienti praised Jablonsky as the perfect candidate to lead Ursa Major in its next phase. Jablonsky affirmed his dedication to enhancing the company’s impact on national security and space infrastructure.

Joe Laurienti, the outgoing CEO, praised Jablonsky in an

Aug. 1, press release.

“I can’t express how excited I am for the next phase of the company. In what feels like a very short period, we have built a world-class team and foundation focused on solving the hardest problem in aerospace and defense: propulsion,” Jablonsky said. “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.”

Adding, “I cannot imagine a more accomplished or seasoned leader for this mission than Dan.”

Photo courtesy of Donald Jablonsky

Jablonsky expressed his deep admiration for Ursa Major’s achievements and outlined his vision for the company’s future in a recent press release, emphasizing his excitement about the role he will play in advancing its mission.

“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,” he said. “I am honored by Joe and the Board’s trust and endorsement, and look forward to working with the team to enhance America’s national security and expand the United States’ critical space and defense infrastructure capabilities.”

Most recently, Jablonsky served as president and CEO of space technology company Maxar Technologies and led that company through its successful take-private acquisition by Advent International. Previously, he held various senior positions, including as president, at satellite imagery company DigitalGlobe. He started his career as a surface warfare officer and nuclear engineer in the U.S. Navy before working as an attorney at corporate law firms and for the SEC.

Jablonsky is a space industry leader and advocate for advancing and strengthening American leadership in space. As SpaceNews’ 2019 Corporate Leader of the Year, he is credited with unifying four important space and intelligence companies into one successful company: Maxar.

Photo courtesy of Nathan Leach-Proffer

In May 2023 the Air Force lab awarded the company a contract to continue developing and testing two of its engines — Arroway for space and Draper for hypersonic launches, according to Defense News.

In an Aug. 2023 C4ISRNET interview, it was noted that the DoD hypersonics market, while atypical, includes a variety of commercial and nontraditional companies aiming to establish a presence in an arena traditionally dominated by defense giants like Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and RTX (previously Raytheon Technologies).

As the first American company to fire an oxygen-rich staged combustion engine—a milestone previously only achieved by Russian engine-makers—Ursa Major provides reusable, high-performing propulsion systems to commercial space enterprises, defense contractors and the Department of Defense for launch, hypersonics and national security missions.

Under the contract, the company will continue the development of its 200,000-pound thrust

Arroway engine for space launch

. Arroway will help replace the Russian-made RD-series engines, according to a company press release. The company expects to conduct a hot fire test in 2025.

For further details on Ursa Major’s latest developments and to stay updated on the company’s future endeavors under Jablonsky’s leadership, visit the official

Ursa Major’s website

, or follow their announcements on major industry news platforms.

LeAnn M. Stasiowski is the Community Pulse reporter for The Dickinson Press, covering education, business and cultural events. She profiles local businesses and entrepreneurs, reports on economic trends and educational developments, and highlights arts, entertainment and dining in the region. From attending school board meetings to reviewing local festivals and restaurants, LeAnn provides comprehensive coverage that celebrates and informs the community.