York Space Systems announced the completion of its acquisition of Solestial, a developer of next-generation space solar technology, in a deal valued at approximately $67 million. The transaction strengthens York’s control over a critical component of spacecraft manufacturing by securing a domestic source of space-qualified solar technology at a time when much of the industry remains dependent on foreign-controlled supply chains.
The acquisition aligns with York’s strategy of vertically integrating key spacecraft subsystems while reducing exposure to geopolitical risks associated with sourcing solar materials. Solestial’s technology, which is designed specifically for the space environment, provides York with access to flight-proven solar cells manufactured in the United States and supported by a predominantly domestic supply chain.
York noted that the satellite industry faces increasing supply chain challenges due to China’s dominance in key materials used for traditional solar technologies, including gallium, germanium, and polysilicon. The company believes future demand from proliferated satellite constellations will require scalable alternatives that are less dependent on foreign-controlled inputs.
Solestial’s technology differs from conventional terrestrial solar solutions by utilizing thin, flexible silicon solar cells engineered for space applications. The company’s proprietary self-healing technology enables the cells to repair radiation damage while operating in orbit, helping maintain performance over extended mission durations.
According to the companies, Solestial’s radiation-curing technology has been independently verified and demonstrated on orbit. Telemetry data showed that after one year in low Earth orbit, Solestial’s cells exhibited no additional degradation compared to adjacent III-V multijunction solar cells, while offering a lower-cost and more scalable manufacturing approach.
Under the terms of the transaction, York closed the acquisition on June 4, 2026, issuing 1,703,577 shares based on a negotiated value of $34 per share and funding the purchase through a combination of cash and stock. Solestial will continue operating as a wholly owned subsidiary while supplying solar technology to both York and external customers.
The acquisition is expected to enhance York’s ability to serve national security, civil government, and commercial space customers by providing greater control over critical power-generation technologies and reducing reliance on constrained global supply chains.
KEY QUOTES:
“Controlling our supply chain is a core part of how York delivers for our customers, and space solar has been a critical gap the industry has largely ignored. Solestial’s solar cells are produced in the U.S. and will ultimately source raw material from U.S. suppliers creating a complete U.S. solar cell production ecosystem and their solar cells are proven to self-anneal radiation damage on orbit. This acquisition positions York to meet the program timelines our customers require, without the supply chain vulnerabilities that put others at risk.”
Dirk Wallinger, CEO, York Space Systems
“Joining York accelerates everything we set out to build. We’ve proven on orbit that our self-healing solar cells outlast terrestrial solar alternatives. Now we’re positioned to scale that technology with a U.S.-sourced supply chain and deliver it at the volume the industry needs.”
Margo de Naray, CEO, Solestial
