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Voyager acquires rocket motor, energetics supplier
Estes Energetics is the U.S.’ only producer of military-grade black powder, a key ingredient for the onshore integration and assembly of defense systems that the Pentagon wants more of.
Voyager Technologies, the space company that went public in June, has acquired a maker of solid rocket motors and energetics in a move aimed at further consolidating supply chains for those components.
Estes Energetics spun out from its former parent Estes Industries in 2021 to provide propellants, chemicals and military-grade black powder for defense systems and munitions.
The company describes itself as the U.S.’ only producer of military-grade black powder, which points to ongoing efforts across industry and government in revitalizing domestic production of these critical materials.
With Estes Energetics in its fold, Voyager is seeking to take more control of and visibility into energetic materials are made and delivered to customers. Terms of the transaction announced Thursday were not disclosed.
“We are closing a key gap in our national readiness posture by ensuring American leadership over energetics, which are foundational to how we protect, maneuver and project strength,” Voyager’s chief executive Dylan Taylor said in a release. “This significantly strengthens the position of our propulsion capabilities from ground to orbit. As global supply chains become increasingly fragile, these capabilities must be built, qualified and safeguarded here at home, with transparent certification, rigorous safety oversight and the surge capacity to meet urgent operational needs.”
Munitions and energetic chemicals are key for powering missiles, rockets and other defense systems that are poised to feature in the Golden Dome missile defense architecture. The Defense Department also views these materials as key in its efforts to increase stockpiles and reduce dependency on overseas suppliers.
For Voyager, the purchase of Estes Energetics represents its third in the calendar year and second since the initial public offering. Voyager’s acquisition of ExoTerra Resource in October added electric propulsion systems, while the purchase of ElectroMagnetic Systems in August focused on artificial intelligence tools.