Lockheed Martin has forged a joint technology development agreement with Venus Aerospace to assess and advance Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine (RDRE) technology for future long-range precision fires systems.
The partnership intends to expedite the shift of this advanced propulsion from flight demonstration phases towards operational use.
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In a 21 July release, Lockheed Martin stated that the collaboration will combine its experience in integrating advanced defence systems with Venus Aerospace’s propulsion expertise, demonstrated through flight testing.
The scope of the agreement includes assessing how RDRE technology could be incorporated into next-generation precision fires capabilities requiring extended range, higher speed, and increased operational flexibility.
RDREs operate by generating thrust with “controlled detonation” waves, in contrast to the subsonic combustion of conventional rocket engines.
Venus Aerospace said that this approach may offer greater propulsion efficiency, which could help precision fires systems achieve longer range and higher speeds, and potentially support large-scale production for defence needs.
Earlier this month, the Houston-based space start-up completed a $91m Series B funding round led by Mercury Fund. Lockheed Martin Ventures, the strategic investment arm of Lockheed Martin, also took part in the investment round.
Prior to this, in May 2025, Venus Aerospace conducted what it described as the first successful in-flight test of a high-thrust RDRE, moving the technology beyond academic theory into practical demonstration.
The company is now working to develop RDRE technology for use in system-level applications, focusing on factors such as performance, manufacturability and cost to meet operational requirements.
Venus Aerospace co-founder and CEO Sassie Duggleby said: “Defence customers are asking for more than incremental gains from legacy propulsion.
“Our RDRE technology offers a different propulsion architecture for systems that need more range, more speed and a realistic path to production. This agreement with Lockheed Martin moves our breakthrough closer to real precision fires applications.”
The announcement follows ongoing efforts by the US Department of War to identify propulsion technologies that deliver improved performance, with an emphasis on affordability, scalability, and manufacturability in the face of evolving threats and growing operational demands.
Lockheed Martin missiles and fire control president Tim Cahill said: “Lockheed Martin is focused on rapidly delivering advanced capabilities that strengthen deterrence and provide decisive advantages for the warfighter.
“Our collaboration with Venus Aerospace allows us to evaluate a promising propulsion technology and determine how it can be integrated into future precision fires solutions. Partnerships like this help accelerate innovation, reduce risk and rapidly advance from emerging technology to operational capability.”
