Apex, known for its specialization in productized satellite buses, particularly the flagship Aries platform, aims to address the growing market demand for versatile and reliable spacecraft. The Aries platform, an ESPA-class 100kg bus, is tailored to support payloads of similar weight, offering a range of performance packages to suit various mission requirements. This versatility is central to Apex's operational philosophy, as it allows for customization while maintaining the advantages of serial production.
The establishment of Factory One is pivotal to Apex's strategic growth. According to Ian Cinnamon, Apex's CEO, "Scaling our satellite production capabilities is essential for meeting customer demand. Our customers are seeking spacecraft with shorter lead times, and Factory One will deliver: in just a few years, the facility will produce 50 satellite platforms annually, across our Aries and Nova-class models. From there, we can continue to increase capacity at this facility." This statement underlines the company's commitment to scaling up its production to meet the burgeoning demand in the satellite market.
Max Benassi, Apex's Chief Technology Officer, highlighted the facility's readiness for rapid scaling: "With a planned 2024 move-in, our team is poised to quickly scale up to meet customer needs. Our state-of-the-art facilities will encompass fabrication, assembly and integration, in-house environmental testing, and storage for completed spacecraft, enabling rapid delivery for time-sensitive clients." The emphasis on quick scalability and comprehensive in-house capabilities marks a significant advancement in Apex's operational framework.
Factory One is set to play a crucial role in the production of Apex's diverse spacecraft models, including the Nova, an ESPA-grande satellite bus platform designed to support larger payloads for both government and commercial clients. Weighing over 600kg, Nova expands Apex's offerings beyond the Aries platform, catering to a broader range of space missions.
The location of Factory One is a strategic choice, positioned within walking distance of Runway Playa Vista. This proximity offers employees access to essential amenities, underscoring Apex's focus on creating a conducive work environment. This aspect is crucial in the competitive aerospace sector, where attracting and retaining top talent is key to innovation and growth.
The leadership of Apex, with Ian Cinnamon at the helm as CEO and Max Benassi as CTO, brings a wealth of experience to the table. Cinnamon's track record includes leading his venture-backed company Synapse through growth and acquisition by Palantir. Benassi's background features a stint at SpaceX and a role as Director of Engineering at Astra, equipping them with unique insights into the aerospace and deep technology sectors.
Looking ahead, Apex's inaugural Aries spacecraft is scheduled for a Q1 2024 launch, carrying multiple customer payloads. This launch will serve as a testament to the company's capabilities and its commitment to meeting the increasing demands of the space industry. In the meantime, the company is gearing up for the production of five more Aries units for customers in 2024 and plans to increase this number to 20 spacecraft by 2025.
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