Ursa Major’s Hadley rocket engine has powered 10 successful hypersonic flights on Stratolaunch’s Talon-A2 testbed, demonstrating proven reusability for hypersonic applications. This milestone builds on two recent tests in early 2025 that achieved sustained speeds above Mach 5 with vehicle recovery after landing.
The flights, spanning late 2024 to 2025, mark the first reusable hypersonic testbed operations, exceeding power and flight objectives each time. Hadley, a 5,000 lbf liquid oxygen/kerosene engine with oxygen-rich staged combustion, supports small launch vehicles and national security missions.
Earlier tests included a high-supersonic debut flight, achieving three successes in one year. In June 2025, Ursa Major secured a $32.9 million contract for 16 upgraded Hadley H13 engines to expand Stratolaunch’s hypersonic program from Mojave, California.
This reusability reduces costs for frequent hypersonic testing, critical for defense and commercial aerospace. It positions Hadley ahead in affordable, throttleable propulsion, enabling maneuverable munitions without scramjets or heavy thermal protection.