Apex - Spacecraft Manufacturing

Today, we unveil Project Shadow — Apex's on-orbit Space-Based Interceptor (SBI) technology demonstration, launching NET June 2026. At Apex, we often launch self-funded missions to advance our technology and demonstrate our capabilities in space. Over 1.5 years ago, we launched our first Aries satellite, which continues to serve as an on-orbit software testbed for our team and customers. Project Shadow is our next step internally funded mission (with more to come in the future). Launching on our Nova satellite bus platform, Shadow integrates and demonstrates key SBI technologies in a single, end-to-end mission. Here’s an inside look at Shadow: 1. Apex’s Nova platform will be outfitted with the “Orbital Magazine” configuration package, providing environmental management for the demonstration interceptors, a Link-182–compatible radio, and Missile Warning/Tracking sensors. 2. The Orbital Magazine will carry two scaled-down demonstration interceptors, each equipped with a solid rocket motor (SRM) and a suite of data-collection sensors. 3. The Orbital Magazine will launch NET June 2026, and after LEOPS and commissioning, Apex will issue a fire control command. 4. The Orbital Magazine will deploy the first interceptor and establish an inter-satellite link. The interceptor will be tasked to fire its SRM while oriented in the inverse velocity direction, avoiding other in-space objects, and safely deorbiting after the burn. 5. During the burn, the Missile Warning/Tracking payloads on the Orbital Magazine will gather critical data on on-orbit SRM performance, determine tracks, and more. 6. The second interceptor will be deployed shortly after, establish a crosslink, and receive a command to fire its SRM, following a similar trajectory to the first demonstration interceptor and safely deorbiting. Project Shadow is self-funded by Apex. We believe that supporting America, our allies, and democracy requires direct investment in the development and maturation of key defense technologies — including SBIs. Learn more about next year’s mission from SpaceNews in the link below.

Following our Factory One ribbon cutting ceremony earlier this month, Apex CEO Ian Cinnamon joined the Foundation for American Innovation for two insightful conversations about the state of the space industry: 1️⃣ A panel discussion moderated by FAI’s Joshua Levine, with leaders from Northwood and Varda Space Industries on the realities of spectrum licensing, scaling production, solving supply chain bottlenecks, and attracting talent in the Southern California aerospace scene. 2️⃣ A follow-up conversation with Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr, moderated by Digital First Project's Nathan Leamer, where they discussed what it will take for America to manufacture satellites at the speed and scale needed to compete globally — and how Apex is leading that charge. Tune in to the latest episode of The Dynamist podcast from FAI to hear both conversations: https://lnkd.in/gFbhFpRY

Meet Daniel Drew, one of Apex's Manufacturing Engineers focused on scaling Aries production! Daniel brings multiple years of experience as a Manufacturing Process Engineer at Blue Origin, which makes him a great addition to the team! Learn more about Daniel below. https://lnkd.in/efUVRPTP

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory has set the standard for what's possible in space — and many of our teammates are proud JPL alumni. To everyone impacted by yesterday's news: thank you for what you've built and inspired. The engineering excellence and spirit of discovery fostered at JPL have shaped our industry and inspired a new generation of spacecraft builders. If you're looking for your next mission, Apex is hiring across nearly every team: apexspace.com/careers

Congratulations to Alexa Villa and Benjamin Spencer on their much-deserved recognition in this year’s Payload Pioneers 30 Under 30 awards! Alexa and Ben exemplify the ownership, commitment, and grit that move Apex forward every day. Alexa joined Apex as its first technician and now serves as a Lead Technician, leading the team that assembles, integrates, and tests Apex’s productized satellite bus platforms. She brings experience from her time as a structures technician at SpaceX into a key leadership position at Apex, where she and her team play a critical role in accelerating bus production and delivering for customers at scale. Read more about Alexa’s award here: https://lnkd.in/g2Pb2Rrh As the Nova Vehicle Director, Benjamin leads the development of Apex’s second LEO bus platform — a highly configurable LEO system with up to 300 kg of payload capacity in its base configuration. Benjamin brings experience from BlackSky, Terran Orbital, and Rocket Lab to ensure Nova is rigorously designed for maximum reliability and scale. Read more about Benjamin’s award here: https://lnkd.in/gYTVVYa3

As part of this week’s ribbon-cutting event, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr joined Apex’s founders and members of our production team inside the Factory One cleanroom for a close-up look at how we’re continuing to scale production of our Aries satellite buses. With an ongoing expansion that will support a total production capacity of more than 200 satellites per year, Apex is rapidly expanding the teams accelerating Aries production — and those bringing GEO Aries, Nova, and Comet to market. Interested in rolling up your sleeves and being part of Apex’s journey to redefine spacecraft manufacturing? Explore open roles here: https://lnkd.in/eNPv2uRj

Thank you to everyone who joined us today for the official grand opening of Factory One! Factory One represents a significant step change in American satellite manufacturing, eliminating the satellite production bottleneck and unlocking critical production capacity for Western governments and key commercial companies to maintain a lead in the New Space Race. With a maximum annual production capacity of over 200 satellites per year, Factory One is rapidly scaling production of Apex’s productized satellite platforms — Aries, Nova, and Comet. Our co-founders, Ian Cinnamon and Maximilian Benassi, had the honor of cutting the ribbon alongside Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr, who shared his remarks on how the FCC plans to further accelerate American space innovation — and unleash a new wave of progress across the U.S. space industrial base. See the link in the comments to hear the full remarks from Ian Cinnamon and Chairman Carr!

Today, we’re bringing together over 100 of Apex’s closest partners, investors, and supporters in Los Angeles to celebrate the official grand opening of Factory One, our high-rate satellite production facility. Join the ribbon-cutting livestream at 12:15 PM PT to hear remarks from Apex CEO Ian Cinnamon and Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr! 📺 https://lnkd.in/gK_uF4mR

Come say hey and crochet! Apex Women are back with another event celebrating our fantastic team and women in aerospace. Join us for an evening at the park as we crochet Woobles (beginner-friendly kits provided), share food & drinks, and talk aerospace. 📅 Friday, Sept 26 | 4:30 PM PT 📍 Los Angeles, CA (location shared upon RSVP) 🎟 RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/gkxZEZZG Come hang out, connect, and create something cute. No crocheting experience required!

Thank you to our friends at the NYSE for helping spread the word about our recent Series D financing! See the comments below to read more about how Apex is using this fresh capital to continue accelerating satellite production at Factory One in Los Angeles ⤵️