# Apex Space

**Type:** Satellite manufacturing startup  
**Location:** Los Angeles, California  
**Founded:** [Date not specified in source]  
**Key Product:** Nova satellite bus platform  

## Overview

Apex Space is a satellite bus manufacturer serving both commercial and defense markets. The company's Nova platform is architecturally agnostic, supporting both commercial space-based solar power (SBSP) missions and defense interceptor applications.

## Key Products & Services

**Nova Satellite Bus:**
- Modular platform providing communications, power, thermal management, and environmental support
- Software-defined radio for communications
- Serves as "Orbital Magazine" host platform for Project Shadow interceptors
- Used by Aetherflux for SBSP demonstration mission

## Strategic Positioning

**Dual-Use Business Model:**
- Commercial customers: Aetherflux (SBSP demonstration)
- Defense positioning: Project Shadow self-funded interceptor demo targeting Golden Dome contracts
- Same Nova bus platform serves both markets with minimal modification

**Defense Market Strategy:**
- Self-funding capability demonstrations before government requirements are published
- Investing $15M in Project Shadow to demonstrate interceptor host platform capability
- Positioning for Space Force Golden Dome space-based interceptor contracts

## Leadership

**Ian Cinnamon** — CEO
- Describes Project Shadow as "less about the interceptors" and more about proving enabling technology

## Timeline

- **2025-12-17** — Announced Project Shadow: $15M self-funded space-based interceptor demonstration mission
- **2026-06** (planned) — Project Shadow launch on Falcon 9, demonstrating two inert interceptors with solid rocket motors
- **[Date not specified]** — Aetherflux purchased Nova satellite bus for SBSP demonstration mission

## Sources

- Air & Space Forces Magazine (December 17, 2025)
- Axios exclusive coverage
- Aviation Week
- defence-industry.eu
- Apex Space official blog