Apex - Spacecraft Manufacturing

Meet Andre Hinojosa, Director of Accounting at Apex! Andre holds a BS from UC Irvine and brings over 9 years of accounting experience to Apex, including 4+ years of leadership in finance operations at ABL. In his current role, Andre is focused on building scalable accounting systems that support Apex’s rapid growth and enable seamless tracking and reporting from supply chain to people operations and beyond. Check out our latest Q&A with Andre here: https://lnkd.in/gTJC7zUR

This could be you. As we continue accelerating production of our Aries satellite platform and march toward our first Nova launch next year, we're growing across nearly every org: from Production and Engineering to Mission Services and Business Development. Want to play a role in the future of satellite manufacturing? Explore 75+ open roles today: https://lnkd.in/gnNiUwEP

To our Apex teammates who have served in uniform — and who continue to strengthen our nation’s security through your work today — thank you for your sacrifice, your dedication, and your unwavering commitment to service.

Earlier today, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth outlined updates to unlock a new era of speed and scale in defense innovation, calling for a sweeping transformation of the U.S. defense acquisition system — one built around commercial speed, private investment, and scalable production. At Apex, that’s exactly how we build. Our upcoming on-orbit demonstration mission in support of Golden Dome, Project Shadow, showcases how commercial companies can invest their own funds to rapidly accelerate acquisition timelines for operational architectures. Hegseth referred to this as: "Increasing acquisition risk, in order to decrease operational risk." Under this new acquisition model, commercial systems like Apex’s Aries, Nova, and Comet platforms become the default — reducing operational risk, compressing timelines, and driving capability to orbit faster than ever before. It’s a great day to be building productized satellites. See Secretary Hegseth’s full speech here: https://lnkd.in/g23Y4fkM

Meet Apex Flight Software Engineer, Collin Peterson! Collin holds a degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Nebraska and brings highly relevant experience from his past role developing flight software at Outpost. In his current role, Collin is focused on flight software for Apex's Nova platform, which is set to launch for the first time next year. Learn more about Collin here: https://lnkd.in/gUAmBFuf

ICYMI: Next year, Apex will launch an Orbital Magazine configuration of its Nova spacecraft platform, designed to host and support demonstration space-based interceptors (SBIs). Apex's Orbital Magazine will carry and fire two partner-provided demonstration interceptors to validate several core host vehicle technologies and pave the path for mass-produced Orbital Magazines capable of carrying more than 5,000 kg. As America's first commercially-led, SBI host vehicle demonstration, Project Shadow represents a step change in how private companies can accelerate the development of critical defense technologies — and highlights Apex's ability to leverage an existing bus platform to execute novel missions. “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," said Apex CEO Ian Cinnamon. “Apex isn’t waiting for handouts or contracts; we are developing this Orbital Magazine technology on our own dime and moving incredibly fast.” Read more about this ground-breaking mission from Ars Technica here: https://lnkd.in/gazWp7_q

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