York Space Systems, a U.S.-based defense and commercial space company, announced it has acquired Orbion Space Technology, a Michigan-based manufacturer of electric propulsion systems used in satellites. The deal is aimed at strengthening York’s vertically integrated space ecosystem and expanding its ability to build and operate spacecraft at scale.
Founded in 2016, Orbion develops Hall-effect electric thrusters designed for constellation-scale satellite missions. Its Aurora propulsion systems are already flying on York-built spacecraft supporting U.S. national security missions, including satellites operating in fielded military constellations.
By bringing Orbion in-house, York aims to align propulsion development more closely with spacecraft design and mission operations. The integration is intended to improve system-level performance and reliability while reducing supply chain risk associated with propulsion systems, which have historically been a scarce subsystem in satellite manufacturing.
Orbion will continue operating as a wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of York while also serving customers across the broader space industry. The acquisition is expected to support expanded domestic production capacity to meet rising demand for commercial and government satellite missions.
The move follows York’s recent acquisition of ATLAS Space Operations, a company focused on ground-based satellite communications and mission operations. Together, the acquisitions represent a broader strategy by York to build a vertically integrated space infrastructure spanning propulsion, spacecraft platforms, ground systems, and end-to-end mission execution.
York currently has more than 30 satellites on orbit and supports five active mission operations centers. The company is preparing for its eighth launch, executing its twelfth contract, and advancing development on its sixth constellation contract as it continues scaling spacecraft production and mission capabilities for national security and commercial customers.
KEY QUOTES:
“Orbion’s propulsion systems have already demonstrated reliable, repeatable performance on York spacecraft supporting operational missions. Integrating this capability allows us to more tightly align propulsion with spacecraft design and mission operations strengthening system-level performance while strengthening performance and long-term reliability as mission demands grow.”
Michael Lajczok, Chief Technology Officer, York Space Systems
“Orbion was built to deliver propulsion systems designed to perform reliably on orbit and to produce them in a factory that can meet the scale demands of prolific constellations. Our work with York has demonstrated what’s possible when propulsion is designed alongside the spacecraft and mission from the start. Joining York allows us to accelerate that approach and support the growing number of missions already being executed today.”
Brad King, Co-Founder And Chief Executive Officer, Orbion Space Technology
“This acquisition builds on an established, on-orbit relationship. Orbion propulsion is already operating successfully on York spacecraft today. This next step allows us to more closely align Orbion’s leading-edge technologies with the growing constellation-scale demands across the sector, expand production planning to meet strong market demand, and support customers across the full space ecosystem.”
Dirk Wallinger, Founder And Chief Executive Officer, York Space Systems
