York Space Systems, a U.S.-based national defense and commercial space company, has announced the acquisition of Orbion Space Technology, a Michigan-based manufacturer of electric propulsion systems designed for satellites. The strategic acquisition marks an important step in York’s effort to strengthen its integrated space ecosystem, enhance spacecraft capabilities, and secure a reliable domestic supply chain for key satellite components. By bringing Orbion’s propulsion expertise under its corporate umbrella, York aims to deepen vertical integration, accelerate innovation, and support the increasing demand for scalable satellite missions in both government and commercial markets.
The acquisition aligns closely with the strategic direction York outlined during its initial public offering. At that time, the company emphasized three key priorities: aligning its technology roadmap with mission needs, expanding domestic manufacturing capacity, and delivering reliable spacecraft systems capable of operating at scale. Incorporating Orbion’s propulsion technology directly into York’s platform architecture enables the company to advance each of these objectives while strengthening the overall resilience of its supply chain.
Founded in 2016, Orbion has established itself as an emerging leader in the development and production of electric propulsion systems, particularly Hall-effect thrusters designed for constellation-scale satellite missions. These propulsion systems enable satellites to maneuver in orbit, maintain their position, and perform mission-critical adjustments during their operational lifetimes. Orbion’s flagship Aurora propulsion systems are produced domestically in the United States and have already been deployed on York-built spacecraft operating in support of national security missions.
The Aurora thrusters represent a key technological component for satellites operating in large constellations. Electric propulsion systems such as these use electromagnetic fields to accelerate ionized propellant, generating efficient thrust while consuming relatively small amounts of fuel. This efficiency is particularly valuable for modern satellite constellations, where long operational lifetimes and precise maneuverability are essential for mission success.
Michael Lajczok, Chief Technology Officer of York, emphasized that Orbion’s propulsion systems have already proven their reliability through real-world deployment. According to Lajczok, the acquisition provides an opportunity to further integrate propulsion technology with York’s spacecraft design and mission planning processes.
“Orbion’s propulsion systems have already demonstrated reliable, repeatable performance on York spacecraft supporting operational missions,” Lajczok said. “By integrating this capability directly into our engineering and manufacturing processes, we can more tightly align propulsion with spacecraft architecture and mission operations. This alignment ultimately strengthens overall system performance and ensures long-term reliability as mission demands continue to grow.”
The integration of propulsion technology into York’s internal development pipeline is expected to improve both performance optimization and program execution timelines. Satellite propulsion systems are among the most critical subsystems on a spacecraft, and historically they have often been sourced from specialized suppliers. By incorporating Orbion’s technology directly into its manufacturing and design processes, York aims to reduce potential supply chain constraints while increasing control over key mission capabilities.
Brad King, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Orbion, noted that the company was originally founded with the goal of producing reliable propulsion systems that could be manufactured at scale. The growing demand for satellite constellations—particularly in communications, Earth observation, and national security—has increased the need for propulsion systems that combine high performance with consistent production capacity.
“Orbion was built to deliver propulsion systems designed to perform reliably on orbit and to produce them in a factory environment capable of meeting the scale requirements of modern satellite constellations,” King said. “Our collaboration with York has already demonstrated the advantages of designing propulsion systems alongside spacecraft platforms and mission architectures from the beginning. By joining York, we can accelerate this integrated approach and support the expanding number of missions already underway.”
One of the most significant benefits of the acquisition is its potential to mitigate supply chain risks within the satellite industry. Electric propulsion systems have historically been considered a limited or specialized subsystem, and supply shortages can sometimes delay satellite manufacturing or deployment schedules. By bringing Orbion’s production capabilities in-house, York strengthens its ability to manage production timelines and maintain reliable delivery schedules for customers.
The alignment of York’s technology roadmap with Orbion’s propulsion expertise also positions the company to respond to evolving mission requirements. Satellite missions are becoming increasingly complex, particularly within defense and intelligence applications where rapid deployment, secure communications, and resilient space infrastructure are critical. Integrating propulsion technology directly into spacecraft development enables York to design more optimized platforms tailored to both current and next-generation mission needs.
Dirk Wallinger, founder and Chief Executive Officer of York, described the acquisition as a natural progression of an already successful partnership between the two companies. Orbion propulsion systems have already been deployed on York spacecraft operating in orbit, demonstrating their reliability and compatibility with York’s satellite platforms.
“This acquisition builds on an established, on-orbit relationship,” Wallinger explained. “Orbion propulsion is already operating successfully on York spacecraft today. Taking this next step allows us to align Orbion’s advanced propulsion technologies with the growing demands of constellation-scale missions. It also enables us to expand production planning and meet the strong market demand we are seeing across the space industry.”
Following the acquisition, Orbion will continue operating as a wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of York. Maintaining Orbion’s operational identity allows the company to continue serving customers throughout the broader space industry, including satellite manufacturers and mission operators beyond York’s internal programs. At the same time, the combined organization will benefit from shared engineering expertise, manufacturing resources, and strategic planning.
The integration also provides a clear path for expanding Orbion’s production capacity. As satellite deployment rates continue to increase—particularly with the expansion of large constellations—the ability to scale propulsion manufacturing becomes increasingly important. York plans to leverage Orbion’s production facilities and engineering capabilities to support both commercial and national security missions that require reliable and scalable propulsion solutions.
This acquisition follows another recent strategic move by York: the purchase of ATLAS Space Operations, a company specializing in satellite ground network and communications infrastructure. Together, these acquisitions demonstrate York’s broader strategy of building a fully integrated space ecosystem capable of supporting every stage of a satellite mission.
By combining propulsion technology, spacecraft manufacturing, and ground system operations, York aims to deliver comprehensive mission solutions for its customers. This end-to-end approach allows satellite operators to rely on a single provider for spacecraft design, launch preparation, mission operations, and long-term system management.
Wallinger emphasized that these acquisitions are part of a deliberate effort to strengthen the foundational technologies required for successful space missions. According to him, the company’s long-term strategy focuses on building a resilient and secure supply chain while continuing to scale production capacity.
“From propulsion to ground systems, we are deliberately strengthening the core capabilities that underpin mission success,” Wallinger said. “As a public company, we committed to investing in proven technologies, scaling our operations responsibly, and delivering reliable operational capability in orbit. These acquisitions are a direct reflection of that commitment.”
York’s operational track record reflects its growing presence in the space industry. The company currently has more than 30 satellites operating in orbit, supporting a variety of commercial and national security missions. In addition, York operates mission operations centers that manage five active missions and oversee two operational satellite constellations.
The company continues to expand its mission portfolio as well. York is currently preparing for its eighth satellite launch while executing its twelfth contract and advancing development work on its sixth constellation program. These milestones highlight the company’s ability to repeatedly deliver spacecraft systems and mission services across multiple programs.
As demand for satellite infrastructure continues to grow—driven by telecommunications expansion, Earth observation services, and national security requirements—companies like York are positioning themselves to deliver integrated solutions that combine advanced technology with scalable manufacturing capabilities.
The acquisition of Orbion represents another step in York’s broader strategy to become a leading provider of comprehensive space mission solutions. By combining spacecraft platforms, propulsion systems, ground operations, and mission execution capabilities within a single organization, the company aims to offer customers a more streamlined and reliable pathway from satellite design to on-orbit operation.
In the rapidly evolving space economy, vertical integration and secure supply chains are becoming increasingly important. Through strategic acquisitions and sustained investment in technology and manufacturing infrastructure, York is positioning itself to meet the growing demands of government and commercial satellite operators while continuing to expand its footprint in the global space industry.
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