Focus graphite used in hypersonic rocket launch

Mr. Dean Hanisch reports FOCUS GRAPHITE ACHIEVES FIRST AEROSPACE VALIDATION WITH LAC KNIFE GRAPHITE IN A SUCCESSFUL HYPERSONIC ROCKET LAUNCH Focus Graphite Inc. has launched Pluto Aerospace's Dash 1 Flight 003 solid-fuel rocket, featuring nozzle components developed using graphite from Focus's Lac Knife project. The project was completed in collaboration with American Energy Technologies Company (AETC), Pluto Aerospace, a Purdue Strategic Ventures portfolio company, with additional support from ACP Technologies (ACP). AETC utilized Lac Knife natural graphite and synthetic graphite to produce a near-net shape manufactured graphite nozzle, which was successfully integrated into the Dash 1 sounding hypersonic rocket. The launch took place on Aug. 23, 2025, at 8:21 a.m. Pacific Time from the Mojave Desert test range, located between Edwards Air Force Base and NAWCWD China Lake in California. The rocket reached an altitude of more than 45,000 feet and achieved record-setting flight duration and range for Pluto Aerospace. The test program evaluated hypersonic performance and thermal resistivity, with nozzle temperatures exceeding 3,000 degrees Celsius. The rocket was built entirely with North American-sourced materials and components. Representatives from Pluto, AETC, Focus, ACP-T and the United States government were in attendance for the launch. The launch marks the company's first real-world, high-fidelity aerospace and defence application test, and follows months of extensive process optimizations which led to this historic flight. Data collected from the launch will further validate the performance characteristics of Lac Knife graphite in high-temperature and high-stress hypersonic environments relevant to surface-to-air defence systems, and commercial rocketry alike. Focus anticipates continued participation in upcoming launches, including trials involving graphene-based coatings produced from Lac Knife graphite, designed for icephobic and radar-suppression applications on rocket fins. These developments are also transferable to unmanned air vehicle (UAV) drone technology, a growing area of interest for the company. "This is a landmark moment for Focus Graphite, and we are proud to see Lac Knife material play a role in such an important aerospace demonstration," said Jason Latkowcer, vice-president, corporate development. "We thank our partners at AETC and Pluto Aerospace for including us in this historic test. The results reaffirm that Lac Knife large and jumbo flake graphite possesses the qualities required for advanced, high performance applications in defence and aerospace. With governments around the world increasing investments in national security -- such as through NATO commitments and initiatives like the Golden Dome -- Focus is positioning itself to play a critical role in supplying North American-sourced graphite for these strategic needs." This latest flight aligns with Pluto Aerospace's broader mission to make high-speed, hypersonic testing more accessible to small businesses and start-ups -- a key advantage highlighted in recent coverage by the Purdue Research Foundation. The Dash platform provides rapid, cost-effective access to hypersonic test environments that typically require substantial budgets and lengthy prequalification timelines. As the demand for domestic manufacturing of advanced materials continues to grow, Focus Graphite remains committed to supporting onshoring initiatives and strengthening critical mineral supply chains essential to national security. About Focus Graphite Advanced Materials Inc. Focus Graphite Advanced Materials is redefining the future of critical minerals with two 100-per-cent-owned world-class graphite projects and cutting-edge battery technology. The company's flagship Lac Knife project stands as one of the most advanced high-purity graphite deposits in North America, with a fully completed feasibility study. Lac Knife is set to become a key supplier for the battery, defence and advanced materials industries. The company's Lac Tetepisca project further strengthens its portfolio, with the potential to be one of the largest and highest-purity and grade graphite deposits in North America. At Focus, the company goes beyond mining -- it is pioneering environmentally sustainable processing solutions and innovative battery technologies, including its patent-pending silicon-enhanced spheroidized graphite, designed to enhance battery performance and efficiency. The company's commitment to innovation ensures a chemical-free, eco-friendly supply chain from mine to market. Collaboration is at the core of its vision. The company actively partners with industry leaders, research institutions and government agencies to accelerate the commercialization of next-generation graphite materials. As a North American company, the company is dedicated to securing a resilient, locally sourced supply of critical minerals -- reducing dependence on foreign-controlled markets and driving the transition to a sustainable future. We seek Safe Harbor.