Apex launches commercially-led on-orbit missile interceptor demo
Summary Points:
- Apex in Los Angeles unveiled Project Shadow, a privately funded mission to demonstrate space-based interceptor (SBI) technologies.
- The mission will launch in June 2026 to test on-orbit firing of demonstration-class interceptors from an Orbital Magazine platform.
- Project Shadow aims to validate key technologies for a future proliferated SBI constellation.
LOS ANGELES - Satellite bus platform manufacturer Apex in Los Angeles announced the launch of Project Shadow, which aims to demonstrate key space-based interceptor technologies. The mission is slated to fire demonstration-class space-based interceptors (SBI) on orbit within the next year.
"Apex is built to move fast, and that is exactly what America and our allies need to ensure we win the New Space Race. In under a year, we are launching the host platform for space-based interceptors, called an Orbital Magazine, which will deploy multiple prototype missile interceptors in orbit. Project Shadow will validate key SBI technologies and prove that an operational SBI constellation can be deployed in the timeframe our country needs," said Apex CEO Ian Cinnamon.
Moving fast
Apex says Project Shadow will be moving from the initial design phase to on-orbit test-fire in less than a year. Flying on one of Apex's commercial off-the-shelf satellite platforms, Project Shadow is scheduled to launch in June 2026. Once in orbit, the Project Shadow spacecraft, serving as an Orbital Magazine, will deploy two interceptors, each firing a high-thrust solid rocket motor. The Orbital Magazine will demonstrate its ability to environmentally control the interceptors, issue fire control commands, and establish an in-space cross-link to send real-time updates post-deployment.
A focus of Project Shadow is demonstrating the core capabilities of the Orbital Magazine - an advanced host platform purpose-built to support next-generation space defense missions. The demo unit will include a Software Defined Radio capable of transmitting and receiving Link-182 messages, enabling radio-based inter-satellite communication. Beyond communications, the Orbital Magazine will serve as a platform for the interceptors -providing power, heat, and environmental support.
Apex says Project Shadow is leveraging commercial agility, speed, and investment to redefine how advanced defense capabilities can be developed and deployed to meet ambitious government timelines outside of traditional procurement channels.
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Jamie Whitney
Jamie Whitney joined the staff of Military & Aerospace Electronics and Intelligent Aerospace. He brings seven years of print newspaper experience to the aerospace and defense electronics industry.
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