In a significant move towards expanding military capabilities in space, Anduril Industries has selected Apex, a Los Angeles-based satellite manufacturing startup, to provide small satellite buses for its upcoming military space missions. This collaboration, announced on October 1, 2024, marks a strategic shift for Anduril as it ventures deeper into the military space sector.
The partnership is part of Anduril's broader strategy to develop spacecraft for various applications, including space domain awareness, on-orbit sensor data processing, and satellite defense. Gokul Subramanian, senior vice president of space and engineering at Anduril, emphasized Apex's ability to deliver commoditized satellite buses quickly, which allows for shorter production timelines compared to competitors.
Apex's Aries satellite bus had its inaugural mission in March, carrying multiple payloads, including Anduril's edge-processing system. This mission also showcased Anduril's Lattice command-and-control software, which facilitated communication with the spacecraft in orbit. Looking ahead, Anduril plans to launch a self-funded mission in 2025 using Apex's Aries bus, focusing on data processing and infrared imaging payloads.
Apex CEO Ian Cinnamon noted a shift in the industry, where companies like Anduril are increasingly sourcing satellite buses from third-party suppliers rather than building them in-house. This change addresses previous challenges of vertical integration due to limited quality options, allowing companies to acquire satellite buses at the speed the market demands.
This partnership not only signifies a leap in military space capabilities but also reflects a growing trend in the commercialization of space technology, paving the way for advanced military applications and enhanced collaboration in the space sector.