York Space Systems Completes Acquisition of ATLAS to Boost Satellite Communications

York Space Systems is making bold moves in the satellite industry. By finalizing its acquisition of ATLAS Space Operations, the company stands poised to reshape how space assets communicate globally, bringing together advanced ground infrastructure and cloud technology.

Defense agencies and commercial operators alike expect the move to streamline satellite data flows. With ATLAS’s renowned federated antenna network, York can broaden its reach and meet critical demands for resilient, secure ground connections.

ATLAS’s Global Network Powers Growth

ATLAS Space Operations operates a worldwide “network of networks” that grants satellite operators access to over 37 current and planned antennas.

This allows a single integration point for global coverage, freeing customers from managing intricate ground logistics. The approach reduces operational bottlenecks and supports more flexible deployment of satellites of all sizes.

The properties of the network are driven by high standards for security, redundancy, and adaptability. We choose sites based on factors such as internet reliability, power backup, weather conditions, and the critical line-of-sight to satellites.

With support for multiple frequency bands and customizable configurations, the global network is built to serve both government missions and commercial launches.

Did you know?
Did you know? ATLAS’s Global Federated Antenna Network achieves a remarkable 99.36% ground station availability, handling over 3,000 satellite contacts monthly.

Freedom Software Platform: The Cloud-Native Backbone

A defining element of the acquisition is ATLAS’s Freedom software platform. It offers ground software as a service, virtualizing ground infrastructure and merging disparate network assets, including ATLAS’s own antennas and other external ground stations, into a single, secure interface.

Freedom’s rigorous security includes two-factor authentication, file encryption, and time-based access controls. Designed to run within AWS GovCloud and adhere to strict government benchmarks such as NIST 800-171, the platform enables the U.S. Department of Defense and allied agencies to conduct critical operations with reduced complexity and strong data protection.

ALSO READ | Starlink Expansion: SpaceX Targets Polar Connectivity With Latest Launch

Driving U.S. Defense: The Golden Dome Integration

York’s acquisition enhances its strategic “Golden Dome” missile defense system, an architecture that aims to deliver end-to-end connectivity between satellites, software, and ground networks.

The resilience of ATLAS’s connectivity will be central for missile defense operations in contested and rapidly evolving environments.

This unified approach connects every layer of defense: satellites can rapidly transmit and receive mission data via the global antenna array, managed securely through the cloud.

Flexible scheduling and resource sharing, enabled by ATLAS’s advanced Flex Scheduler, help maximize antenna usage while meeting the high demands of government missions.

Secure, Agile, and Ready for the Future

The collaboration between York Space Systems and ATLAS positions the satellite communications landscape for increased agility and trustworthiness.

The deal follows York’s recent selection to deliver satellites for the U.S. Space Force’s national security missions and underscores the company’s evolving role as a defense technology prime.

As space operations grow more complex, integrations like this signal a future where satellite networks are more adaptive, easier to manage, and fundamentally secure. The industry will watch closely as York seeks to deliver on these promises and further advance U.S. space capabilities.