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Wardstone, a California-based startup, has raised $5 million in seed funding to develop space-based missile interceptors targeting hypersonic threats. The company plans to test its first prototype interceptor on a suborbital flight in late April.

Founded by brothers Sebastian and Tobias Fischer, it is setting up operations in El Segundo, California, after participating in Y Combinator. Wardstone's approach involves deploying large particle clouds for intercepting missiles, diverging from traditional methods.

The company seeks to secure Small Business Innovation Research contracts from the Space Force and Missile Defense Agency once reauthorized. Its founders have backgrounds in major aerospace firms.