York Space Systems, a defense technology company focused on enhancing U.S. space-based capabilities, has announced its agreement to acquire ATLAS Space Operations (ATLAS), a leader in Ground Software as a Service (GSaaS) for satellite communications.
This acquisition grants York a powerful software-driven ground architecture that simplifies operations and strengthens resilience between space and ground, enabling faster delivery of secure, mission-ready space systems.
ATLAS will be a key element of York’s Golden Dome architecture, which aims to unify spacecraft, software, and ground operations in contested environments. It will operate independently, continuing to serve its diverse customer base.
Founded in 2015, ATLAS provides secure, cloud-native connectivity through its Freedom platform, offering a single API to a global network of over 50 antennas. This innovative approach shifts the complexity of satellite communications from hardware to software, allowing for real-time tasking and seamless data delivery.
The Freedom platform simplifies ground operations, enabling customers to onboard quickly and access global infrastructure without building it themselves.
This acquisition will enhance York’s ability to deliver integrated systems by combining its spacecraft and operations with ATLAS’s ground communications platform, improving mission delivery and fostering more resilient, autonomous operations for commercial and national security missions.
KEY QUOTES:
“ATLAS has built one of the most sophisticated and secure ground communications platforms in the industry. 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.”
Dirk Wallinger, CEO of York
“York shares our vision for a future where space systems are faster, smarter, and seamlessly integrated. Together, we are building the infrastructure to meet that future head-on, reducing risk, increasing resilience, and enabling critical data delivery on demand.”
Corey Geer, CEO of ATLAS
