Orbion Space Technology acquired by York Space Systems
Orbion Space Technology acquired by York Space Systems
Publish Date: 2026-03-13 18:58:00
Source Domain: www.uppermichiganssource.com
HOUGHTON, Mich. (WLUC) – Orbion Space Technology CEO and Co-founder Brad King says the company is not going anywhere following the announcement of its acquisition by Colorado-based contractor York Space Systems.
“Our roots are planted even deeper now,” King said. “We’re going to grow; we’re going to add more jobs, and the space economy is part of the U.P. permanently.”
King says YSS has been a customer for three years, and acquisition talks started in October. He also says that while the company has been acquired, it will maintain its identity.
“We keep building our products that are going to go out into the solar system and orbit and help the Department of Defense,” King continued. “We just do it now with a much stronger financial backing and a partnership we can use to get even more business.”
Orbion develops in-space propulsion technology, specifically hall-effect thrusters. Its customers attach them to satellites for when they orbit the Earth. Co-Founder and CTO Jason Sommerville says the acquisition will allow the company to strengthen its product lines.
“Our propulsion is used to keep that satellite in its proper orbit and, occasionally, to move it to a different orbit,” Sommerville said. And then, at end-of-life, to de-orbit the satellite.”
King notes that while the company will need to keep York’s demand met, it will still be able to sell to anyone in the market. He anticipates the space defense market will grow significantly in the future, in light of missile defense initiatives stemming from the Trump Administration.
“We’re not sure yet what it means for our physical footprint,” King added. “We will likely be at least expanding on our facility that’s up on Sharon Avenue. We will be looking at whether we need more facilities or just build on to what we have, and that will be something we work out over the next year or so.”
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