High-performance 125 kg LEO satellite bus with up to 150 kg payload capacity, 175 W base power, and precision GNC. First flight 2024.
Aries LEO Satellite Bus
High-performance 125 kg LEO satellite bus with up to 150 kg payload capacity, 175 W base power, and precision GNC. First flight 2024.
Description
The Apex Aries is a production-ready LEO satellite bus designed for proliferated small satellite constellations. With a 125 kg dry mass and up to 150 kg payload capacity, it bridges the gap between cubesats and traditional spacecraft, offering spacecraft-class capabilities at competitive cost.
The Aries is built for serial production, with standardized interfaces enabling rapid integration of diverse payloads for remote sensing, communications, and technology demonstration. It supports Falcon 9 Rideshare and most major launch vehicles.
Key capabilities include 175 W base power (OAP EOL, 5-year mission), X-band downlink at 125–350 Mbps, S-band TT&C, and optional propulsion systems ranging from xenon HET electric propulsion to 6-DOF chemical propulsion for high maneuverability. Precision GNC provides pointing control to <80 arcsec (precision option) with slew rates up to 1.25 deg/sec.
The Aries entered service in 2024 and is currently in serial production at Apex's manufacturing facility. It is designed to serve defense, commercial remote sensing, and SDA (Space Domain Awareness) missions in 450–1000 km circular orbits.