York adds software, antenna offerings via acquisition
An Atlas Space Operations antenna in Utqiagvik, Alaska. Photo: Business Wire
By
Ross Wilkers
The small satellite maker moves to further round out its portfolio as the Defense Department pursues its Golden Dome missile defense vision.
York Space Systems has acquired a provider of ground-based software in a move to put together a more complete portfolio inclusive of satellites, antennas, data connections and other types of infrastructure.
Atlas Space Operations opened for business in 2015 to offer network operators access to a cloud-backed global network of antennas, which are designed to help with real-time tasking and automated scheduling functions.
York builds small satellites for commercial and government customers such as the Space Development Agency, to whom the company is contracted to manufacture satellites for SDA’s next-generation missile warning constellation
SDA chose York, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman for the $1.8 billion contract in 2022 to make the optically-interconnected satellites for a mesh network inside the agency’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.
Through the purchase of Atlas announced Friday, York is also positioning itself for opportunities stemming from the Defense Department's Golden Dome blueprint for a new missile defense architecture to cover the entire continental U.S. Financial terms of the move were not disclosed.
"Atlas has built one of the most sophisticated and secure ground communications platforms in the industry," York’s chief executive Dirk Wallinger said in a release. "This acquisition will enhance York's ability to deliver mission-ready systems on the timelines our customers demand while continuing to support the broader space ecosystem with best-in-class ground solutions."
York is owned by the private equity firm AE Industrial Partners, which acquired the company in 2022. AEI then supported the acquisition of Emergent Space Technologies, which closed during the summer of 2023.
Like with Atlas, York added software offerings to complement its portfolio of satellites and other space systems.