Northrop Grumman and Apex Join Forces on Orbit-Based Interceptors for Golden Dome

Northrop Grumman has teamed with Apex to develop space-based interceptors for the Space Force's Golden Dome missile-defense plan, one of 12 firms selected to explore concepts. Apex provides standardized satellite buses to enable faster, cheaper production. The partners aim to demonstrate an on-orbit capability by 2027 and scale production through commercial collaboration, while questions linger about whether space-based interceptors can be affordable at scale given the program’s potential high costs. Other industry players are pursuing similar partnerships under Other Transaction Authority to accelerate prototyping.