Ursa Major announced the appointment of Chris Spagnoletti as Chief Executive Officer, marking a leadership transition as the aerospace and defense company continues to scale its hypersonic, solid rocket motor, and space propulsion programs.
Spagnoletti brings more than 30 years of experience developing and delivering critical systems for military and commercial aircraft. His background spans engineering, operations, and business development. Since joining Ursa Major in 2022, most recently serving as President of Liquid Systems, he has played a central role in advancing the company’s hypersonic and space initiatives.
During his tenure, Ursa Major has evolved from a startup into a recognized name in aerospace and defense. The company has flown hypersonic systems multiple times, designed and built the Draper engine and its first all-up round, and launched modernized solid rocket motor and in-space propulsion businesses. The leadership transition comes as Ursa Major looks to build on that momentum and expand its operational scale.
Prior to joining Ursa Major, Spagnoletti served as President of U.S. Cargo Systems, a TransDigm aerospace business, where he led teams delivering mission-critical aerospace solutions across defense and commercial markets. The company said his experience combining technical expertise with operational execution positions him to guide Ursa Major through its next phase of growth alongside its executive leadership team.
The appointment follows a unanimous decision by the company’s board of directors. Board member Dr. Ron Sugar, former CEO of Northrop Grumman, cited Spagnoletti’s leadership in advancing the company’s hypersonic and liquid programs and strengthening the operational rigor required to scale.
Lior Susan, Founding Partner of Eclipse, described the promotion as a defining moment for Ursa Major, emphasizing the company’s role in strengthening the U.S. defense industrial base and accelerating next-generation aerospace and national security capabilities.
Spagnoletti succeeds Dan Jablonsky, who is departing after leading a period of significant growth and technical achievement, including what the company described as its best year on record. Ursa Major thanked Jablonsky for his leadership and contributions.
Headquartered in Berthoud, Colorado, with additive manufacturing operations in Youngstown, Ohio, Ursa Major delivers flight-proven capabilities for hypersonics, solid rocket motors, space mobility, and launch. The company leverages advanced production techniques and flexible architectures to build systems across land, air, sea, and space domains, aiming to revitalize the U.S. defense industrial base and accelerate delivery of critical capabilities.
KEY QUOTES:
“Over the past four years, Ursa Major has evolved from a startup into a trusted name in aerospace and defense. We’ve flown hypersonic systems multiple times, designed and built the Draper engine and our first all-up round, and launched modernized solid rocket motor and in-space propulsion businesses. Leading this team through many of these milestones has been a defining chapter of my career. I have deep confidence in our people and in what we’re building. I’m honored to serve as CEO as we continue delivering critical capabilities to our customers at speed and scale.”
Chris Spagnoletti, Chief Executive Officer, Ursa Major
“After thoughtful consideration, the Board unanimously agreed to promote Chris Spagnoletti as the next CEO of Ursa Major. Chris has already demonstrated the kind of leadership Ursa Major needs in the company’s next phase of growth. Chris has been central to advancing our hypersonic and liquid programs while building the operational rigor required to scale. This transition ensures continuity in strategy and accelerates the momentum already underway across the company.”
Dr. Ron Sugar, Member of the Board of Directors, Ursa Major; Former CEO, Northrop Grumman
“Promoting Chris to CEO marks a defining moment for Ursa Major. He’s the kind of leader who builds fast, can scale complex products, and delivers when it matters most. Ursa Major is building the propulsion backbone America’s defense industrial base urgently needs. Under Chris’s leadership, the team will move much faster, manufacture at scale, and push the boundaries of next-generation aerospace and national security technology.”
Lior Susan, Founding Partner, Eclipse
