JavaScript Required

Jumpseat Aerospace News requires JavaScript to function. Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings to continue.

Ursa Major’s Hadley Engine Completes 10 Hypersonic Flights

April 16, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

Ursa Major's Hadley engine completed 10 consecutive hypersonic flights.
Flights were conducted with Stratolaunch's Talon-A test vehicle.
Talon-A has flown above Mach 5 and been recovered twice.
Hadley engine is designed for hypersonic applications and space launch.

Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Key Takeaways.

Upgrade

Strategic Implications

This milestone may signal a significant step forward in the development of reusable high-speed rocket systems, which could benefit the Pentagon's push for hypersonic capabilities. The partnership between Ursa Major and Stratolaunch suggests a growing focus on practical testing capacity for hypersonic vehicles, which could have implications for the development of both offensive systems and countermeasures.

Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Strategic Implications.

Upgrade

What Happened

Stratolaunch Partnership Marks Milestone In Reusable Rocket Systems

Ursa Major’s Hadley liquid rocket engine has completed 10 consecutive flights, including multiple launches at sustained hypersonic speeds, in partnership with Stratolaunch. The Talon-A test vehicle, powered by the Hadley engine, has flown at least twice above Mach 5 and been recovered both times. The milestone marks a significant step forward in the development of reusable high-speed rocket systems, which is a key area of interest for the Pentagon. According to AeroTime, Ursa Major’s Hadley engine is designed for hypersonic applications and space launch, and the company’s partnership with Stratolaunch could pave the way for more practical testing capacity for hypersonic vehicles.

Source

Companies Mentioned