12 In February, the Pentagon announced, that the company Apex Technology, startup in the field of satellite production, received a contract for $45,9 one million from US military-cosmic forces. The contract was concluded through the Space Systems Command (Space Systems Command). It provides delivery of an indefinite number of satellites to 2032 the year to perform missions in different orbits.
Characteristics and expansion of Apex activities
Apex Technology is based in California and specializes in the production of standardized platforms for small satellites - satellite “platform”. These basic designs include key systems, such as power supply, communication and engines. Apex has developed three lines of satellite platforms, able to carry a payload weighing from 100 to 500 kilograms.
Receiving this contract was the largest agreement with the US government in the company's history.
Apex is expanding its activities
From primary orientation to satellites for low Earth orbit (LEO) the company moves to developing solutions for geostationary and medium Earth orbits (GEO, MEO) and missions in deep space.
In March 2024 Apex demonstrated its technology with the launch of the first operational Aries SN1 satellite as part of the SpaceX Transporter-10 mission.
Funding and partnerships
IN 2024 year Apex attracted $95 millions within the SERIES B investment round. These funds are aimed at expanding production capacity and developing new satellite models. Apex works with Anduril Industries to obtain defense contracts, which integrates Apex satellite platforms with AI-based systems for missile tracking and space awareness. Anduril plans to launch a satellite platform, created by Apex, in 2025 year.
Previous cooperation with the Military and Space Forces
IN 2023 Apex signed a contract for $2 millions within the Phase 2 small business research programs (SBIR) To develop a satellite platform for a military initiative “Tactically adaptive space” (TacRS). This program is aimed at demonstrating the rapid deployment of satellites in response to new threats.
TACRS involves the involvement of many venture companies, such as Rocket Lab, Impulse Space, Firefly та True Anomaly.
Is the new contract related to TacRS?
The Pentagon did not elaborate in its statement, whether the new contract is related to TacRS. However, the contract agency, which has concluded the agreement-a unit of the Kirtland Air Force Command in New Mexico, - Includes the Directorate of Innovation and Prototypes and the Space Safari Office, relevant to TACRS.
Source: https://spacenews.com/satellite-startup-apex-wins-45-9-million-space-force-contract/