Startup Says It's Launching a Test Weapon Into Orbit

"Last month, the Department of Defense announced it was requesting proposals from the private industry for prototypes of space-based interceptors (SBIs), which are orbital weapon systems designed to intercept missiles. The request, largely seen as being part of the Trump administration's proposed Golden Dome missile shield, has already drawn the attention of numerous contractors that want to develop such interceptors."

"One of these companies, Los Angeles-based startup Apex, has been working on the mass production of satellite buses that can be integrated with customer payloads, as Ars Technica reports. The company launched its first satellite last year and secured a $46 million Space Force contract in February to deliver an unspecified number of satellites over the next six years. This week, the company announced "Project Shadow," which it claims is "America's first commercially-led, on-orbit space-based interceptor demonstration.""

"The company is aiming to send a pair of interceptors "on one of Apex's commercial off-the-shelf satellite platforms" as soon as June 2026. After deployment, the goal is to "environmentally control the interceptors" and even "issue a fire control command." "Apex is built to move fast, and that is exactly what America and our allies need to ensure we win the New Space Race," said CEO Ian Cinnamon in a statement."

The Department of Defense requested industry proposals for prototypes of space-based interceptors (SBIs), seen as part of the proposed Golden Dome missile shield. Numerous contractors responded. Los Angeles startup Apex builds mass-producible satellite buses, launched its first satellite last year, and holds a $46 million Space Force contract to deliver satellites over six years. Apex announced Project Shadow to demonstrate commercially-led, on-orbit interceptors by deploying a pair of interceptors on its commercial off-the-shelf satellite platforms as soon as June 2026. After deployment Apex intends to environmentally control the interceptors and issue fire-control commands. Apex says it is self-funding an Orbital Magazine host platform.

Read at Futurism