X-Bow Systems, Texas State University announce research agreement for solid rocket motor advancement

X-Bow Systems Inc, the nation's leading non-traditional producer of advanced solid rocket motors (SRMs) and defense technologies, and Texas State University (TXST) announced a cooperative research agreement aimed at testing and validating solid rocket motor technology for expanded manufacture in nearby Luling, TX.

Under this agreement, TXST will help X-Bow construct a state-of-the-art SRM test facility on the Freeman Center research facility in San Marcos. These test and validation capabilities will compliment those X-Bow has established on their facility in Luling, including test of larger SRMs X-Bow is currently developing for the U.S. Navy's Conventional Prompt Strike and U.S. Army's Long Range Hypersonic Weapon systems. Texas State will benefit from the opportunity to collaborate with X-Bow on cutting-edge defense technologies, engaging students and faculty in research with direct implications for the defense industrial base. The collaboration is expected to yield significant advancements in solid rocket motor technology and advanced manufacturing techniques with a focus on applications in national security, spaceflight, and scientific research.

“We're excited to leverage Texas State's significant expertise in fields such as materials science, automation and advanced manufacturing,” says Max Vozoff, CTO of X-Bow Systems. “This agreement enables us to push the boundaries of solid rocket motor technology and contribute to the development of advanced propulsion systems for national defense, space exploration, and scientific endeavors.”

“Freeman Ranch offers an ideal setting for this type of cutting-edge research, thanks to its unique landscape and our careful stewardship of the local environment,” says Chris Thomas, director of the Freeman Center and Natural Resources for Applied Research. “This project will be integrated thoughtfully into the ranch's ecosystem in a way that ensures that our ongoing agricultural, ecological and environmental studies remain unaffected and honors our ongoing commitment to preserving Texas Hill Country's natural resources and sustainability.”

This cooperative research agreement represents a significant commitment by both X-Bow and Texas State to the advancement of solid rocket motor technology. The collaboration is expected to have a lasting impact on the field, and to contribute to the development of a highly skilled workforce in the San Marcos region.

“This collaboration not only supports our shared mission of advancing technological innovation but also fosters an environment where academic and industry leaders can jointly explore new frontiers in defense and space technology,” says Shreek Mandayam, Ph.D., vice president for Research at TXST.