York Space Systems, a US-based defence technology company known for redefining how space-based capabilities are built and operated, has announced its agreement to acquire ATLAS Space Operations. A Ground Software as a Service (GSaaS) provider, ATLAS is expected to significantly enhance York’s software-driven approach to satellite communications and ground systems.
With this acquisition, York gains access to a software-led ground architecture designed to streamline satellite operations, eliminate integration barriers, and improve space-to-ground resiliency. The deal is set to accelerate York’s mission of delivering secure, high-performance space systems with greater speed and efficiency. ATLAS will play a critical role in supporting York’s Golden Dome architecture, an advanced defense platform integrating spacecraft, software, and ground operations to offer comprehensive capabilities in contested space environments.
ATLAS, which was founded in 2015, will continue to operate independently under its established brand. Its Freedom software platform, which provides cloud-native satellite connectivity through a single API and a global network of more than 50 antennas in over 20 countries, is the only GSaaS solution developed and based in the US. The platform shifts the burden of satellite communications from hardware to software, allowing for real-time tasking, automated scheduling, and cloud delivery of mission data, resulting in a cost-effective, scalable, and flexible solution for both government and commercial clients.
Dirk Wallinger, CEO of York, said: “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.”
The Freedom platform enables operators—whether managing a single satellite or a vast constellation—to onboard quickly, stream data to the cloud, and access a global infrastructure without the need for additional physical buildout.
Corey Geer, CEO of ATLAS, added: “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.”
Pending regulatory approvals including from the FCC, the acquisition is expected to significantly strengthen York’s ability to deliver integrated, mission-ready space systems by combining its high-performance spacecraft and software-defined operations with ATLAS’s trusted ground communications capabilities. The result will be faster deployment, improved data throughput, and more autonomous, resilient operations supporting both commercial ventures and national security missions.
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