Industry veteran takes the helm of Ursa Major – BizWest

BERTHOUD — Dan Jablonsky has been named CEO of Berthoud-based Ursa Major Technologies Inc., a privately held company focused on rocket and missile propulsion. Jablonsky replaces Ursa Major founder Joe Laurienti, who led the company for the past nine years.

Jablonsky has held executive positions in the aerospace and defense industries for more than a decade. Most recently, he served as president and CEO of Westminster-based space technology company Maxar Technologies Inc., leading the company through its successful take-private acquisition by Advent International.

He previously held various executive positions, including as president of satellite imaging company DigitalGlobe. He began his career as a surface warfare officer and nuclear engineer in the U.S. Navy before working as a lawyer in corporate law firms, for the SEC and in in-house positions, according to the release.

Jablonsky earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy, a graduate of the Naval Nuclear Power School, and a juris doctorate from the University of Washington School of Law.

“I have followed Ursa Major’s many successes over the past nine years and am confident in the impact its advanced technology and manufacturing approach will have on the space and defense communities for years to come,” Jablonsky said in a press release. “I am honored by the trust and support of Joe and the board, and I look forward to working with the team to strengthen America’s national security and expand the critical capabilities of the United States’ space and defense infrastructure.”

Laurenti originally planned to hire Jablonsky at Ursa Major as an advisor, the release said, but quickly realized he was the right person to grow the company and lead it through the next stages of success.

Ursa Major builds combustion engines for space launch and hypersonic applications, as well as solid rocket motors for missiles. The company successfully launched a Hadley rocket engine in March in a first flight that broke new ground, and has recently won a significant number of new contracts.

Ursa Major has announced the establishment of a new research and development facility in Youngstown, Ohio, which will help expand and accelerate Ursa Major’s materials development efforts.

Ursa Major’s clients range from “New Space” start-ups to corporate aerospace leaders and the US government.

Company in June 2023 confirmed for CNBC An undisclosed number of employees were laid off, which CNBC reported was about 27% of Ursa Major’s workforce.

Ursa Major announced in November 2023 that it had closed $138 million in Series D and D-1 funding rounds. Investors included Explorer 1 Fund and Eclipse; RTX Ventures; funds and accounts managed by BlackRock, Mack & Co., XN, SV Pacific Ventures; and other institutional shareholders.