York Space Systems, a US defense technology company, is to acquire ground station as-a-Service (GSaaS) provider Atlas Space Operations.

York this month announced that its parent company has agreed to acquire Atlas, though terms weren’t shared.

Founded in 2015, Atlas’ Freedom software provides cloud-native connectivity, offering a single API that grants access to a network of more than 50 antennas across 20 countries. York noted it is the only GSaaS provider based in the United States.

Atlas will continue to operate independently under its existing brand after the deal closes as a wholly owned subsidiary.

"Atlas has built one of the most sophisticated and secure ground communications platforms in the industry," said Dirk Wallinger, CEO of York. "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."

York said the deal gives it software-led ground architecture that simplifies operations, removes integration barriers, and enhances space-to-ground resilience. Atlas’ offering will be integrated into York’s Golden Dome architecture, a defense solution that unifies spacecraft, software, and ground operations.

"York shares our vision for a future where space systems are faster, smarter, and seamlessly integrated," said Corey Geer, CEO of Atlas. "Together, we are building the infrastructure to meet that future head-on, reducing risk, increasing resilience, and enabling critical data delivery on demand."

GSaaS provides satellite operators with access to ground stations on a pay-per-use basis, allowing multiple users to book time and capacity on shared antennas, as opposed to buying their own. Startup GSaaS providers include Leaf Space, RBC Signals, and Infostellar, as well as incumbents such as KSAT. Amazon also offers ground station services.

Atlas operates more than 50 antennas across 34 ground station sites – a mix of owned and partner infrastructure – offering uplink and downlink services in the S-, X-, and Ka-Bands as well as UHF.

The company has raised around $52 million across six funding rounds, with previous investors in Atlas including Boomerang Catapult, Northern Michigan Angels, Beringea, Michigan Capital Network, Wakestream Ventures, Rise of the Rest, Vcapital, Mitsui & Co., and NewSpace Capital.

“This acquisition is a testament to the vision, innovation, and perseverance of the entire Atlas team,” said Casey Cowell, chairman of Atlas and principal of Boomerang Catapult. “We are proud of what we’ve built here in Traverse City and excited about this next chapter, which promises significant growth and opportunities for our community and stakeholders.”