Astrobotic eyes and anda. US-based lunar logistics company Astrobotic and Norwegian spaceport operator Andøya Space have signed a term sheet outlining the framework for a launch site agreement, European Spaceflight Reports In Area The agreement, which has been finalized, will facilitate test flights of Astrobotic’s Xodiac Lander from Andøya Space Facilities. Masten Space Systems originally developed the Xodiac vertical takeoff, vertical landing rocket to simulate landings on the Moon and Mars. When Masten filed for bankruptcy in 2022, Astrobotic acquired its intellectual property and assets, including the Xodiac vehicle.
Across the pond … so far, the small Xodiac rocket has flown on low-altitude atmospheric hops from Mojave, California, reaching altitudes of up to 500 meters, or 1,640 feet. The agreement between Astrobotic and Andøya paves the way for “multiple” Xodiac flight campaigns from Andøya’s space facility off the coast of Norway. “Xodiac’s presence at Andøya is a meaningful step in ensuring that we provide a reliable, rapid and cost-effective test and demonstration capability to the European space market,” said Astrobotic CEO John Thornton.
Ursa Major Breaks Ground in Colorado. On Wednesday, Ursa Major announced that it has broken ground on a new 400-acre site where it will test and qualify large-scale solid rocket motors for current and future missiles, including the Navy’s Standard Missile Fleet, Defense Daily reports . The new site in Weld County, Colorado, north of Denver, will be ready for testing to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025. Ursa Major will be able to conduct full-scale static fires, as well as reduce and temperature storage testing of current and future missile systems.
Seeking SRM Options … Ursa Major said the new facility will support national and missile defense programs. The company’s portfolio includes solid rocket motors (SRMS) ranging from 2 inches to 22 inches in diameter for missiles such as the Stinger, Javelin and Air Defense Interceptors. Ursa Major aims to join industry incumbents Northrop Grumman, L3harris and newcomer Anduril as a major government SRM supplier. “This facility is a significant step forward in our ability to provide qualified SRMs that are scalable, flexible and ready to meet the changing threat environment,” Ursa Major CEO Dan Jablonsky said in a statement. “It is clear our commitment and ability to rapidly advance and expand the industrial base of American-made solid rocket motors that the nation needs, ensuring that Soldiers will have the quality and quantity of SRMs they need to meet mission requirements.”
