Northrop Grumman said it is on track to deliver on-orbit space-based interceptor (SBI) capability in 2027, announcing a partnership with space startup Apex on Monday.
Northrop Grumman was one of 12 companies announced in late April to prototype technologies for space-based interceptors in support of the Golden Dome.
Northrop said it has completed ground-test demonstrations this year.
“We’re combining our advanced missile defense technologies and commercial partnerships to demonstrate next generation space-based interceptor capabilities in support of our nation’s Golden Dome priorities. We have already completed key ground tests this year and are uniquely positioned with Apex to rapidly accelerate and scale affordable production to defend the homeland,” Ryan Tintner, vice president and general manager, Space Superiority Systems division for Northrop Grumman, said in a statement.
Northrop did not detail the specifics of the work with Apex, but Apex CEO Ian Cinnamon commented that the company was founded “to support proliferated constellations like Golden Dome.”
“This partnership will enable operational, constellation-scale space-based missile defense and allow us to rapidly support an urgent need,” Cinnamon commented.
Last year, Apex announced “Project Shadow,” with plans “to fire demonstration-class space-based interceptors on orbit within the next year,” in a self-funded mission.
Since the larger SBI announcement, companies have been announcing teams of collaborators. Rocket Lab is working with Raytheon, and Anduril has a team of space collaborators including Impulse Space and K2 Space.
