Northrop Grumman has partnered with small-satellite manufacturer Apex to support development of space-based interceptors for the U.S. Golden Dome missile defense architecture, with the partnership first detailed on 30 May 2026. The tie-up links a major defense prime already under Space-Based Interceptor program awards with a fast-scaling commercial bus supplier as the U.S. Space Force accelerates work on an on-orbit interceptor layer.
Golden Dome is structured as a layered homeland missile defense system that includes a proliferated Low Earth Orbit constellation of interceptors intended to engage threats in boost, midcourse and glide phases. The Space-Based Interceptor program, directed to demonstrate capability integrated into Golden Dome by 2028, uses Other Transaction Authority agreements issued in late 2025 and early 2026 with a potential combined value of up to $3.2 billion across 12 firms, including Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation.
Specialized coverage indicates Apex is developing a Project Shadow demonstration using its Nova satellite bus, with plans to orbit two interceptor payloads as part of Golden Dome-related trials.