York Space Systems is a US, Denver-based aerospace company that has become a new entrant in the “New Space” defense sector. Their niche is the mass production of standardized, low-cost satellite platforms (buses) designed for rapid deployment.

As of early 2026, the company has flipped from high-value private startup to a public defense company. As of writing, the market has yet to test their share price.

The IPO in January 2026, launched York Space Systems on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol $YSS.

The IPO initially valued the company at approximately $4.75 billion. They raised over $600 million to expand manufacturing capabilities and secure its supply chain through strategic acquisitions.

York is loosely described as a “Modern Defense Prime” because it competes directly with Military Industrial Big Dogs like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. However, unlike traditional companies that build “bespoke” satellites for each mission, York uses a plug-and-play architecture.

They currently operate multiple facilities in Denver (including the “Potomac” plant), with a stated goal of scaling production toward 1,000 satellites per year.

York’s primary customer is the Space Development Agency (SDA), which accounts for the vast majority of its revenue.

Big deals to date are:

In Sept 2025, York launched the first 21 operational satellites for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.

Launched the “Dragoon” prototype in 2025, delivering the mission four months ahead of schedule to NASA and the SDA.

“Golden Dome” – York is a key participant in the U.S. government’s high-priority initiative to build a multi-layered missile defense shield.

They also successfully demonstrated the first-ever space-to-ground Link 16 tactical radio connection, a holy grail for military communications.