York Space Systems to Acquire Solestial

York Space Systems has entered into an agreement to acquire Solestial, a developer of radiation-hardened space solar technologies, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen domestic manufacturing and secure scalable power systems for satellite and space missions.

York stated that the acquisition is intended to strengthen control over a critical subsystem within its space systems supply chain while reducing reliance on foreign-controlled materials and manufacturing associated with space-qualified solar technologies. Following completion of the transaction, Solestial is expected to operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of York while continuing to support commercial, civil, and national security customers.

“York has consistently invested in U.S.-based manufacturing as a core part of how we deliver for our customers,” said Dirk Wallinger, CEO of York. “This acquisition builds on that approach, strengthening our supply chain by investing in a proven U.S. company, supporting the domestic industrial base, and reducing reliance on foreign sources for critical materials and manufacturing.”

Headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, Solestial develops ultrathin, radiation-hardened silicon solar cells and flexible solar modules engineered specifically for long-duration space operations. The company’s technology is designed to address increasing demand for scalable and lower-cost space power systems supporting satellites, orbital infrastructure, and future space missions.

According to the companies, Solestial’s solar technology uses a self-healing silicon architecture designed to recover radiation damage under sunlight exposure while operating in harsh space environments. The company stated that the technology has already demonstrated on-orbit performance.

The acquisition also reflects growing demand for scalable space power technologies as satellite constellations, orbital infrastructure, defense systems, and long-duration space missions continue expanding. Industry demand for space-qualified solar systems has increased significantly as operators seek alternatives to conventional III-V solar technologies, which remain capacity constrained and often involve extended manufacturing lead times.

York stated that Solestial has established a growing domestic manufacturing footprint and is advancing toward a fully U.S.-based supply chain. Approximately 95 percent of Solestial’s supply chain is already based within the United States, according to the company.

Solestial recently expanded production capabilities through acquisition of advanced high-volume solar manufacturing equipment supporting wafer-to-module production within the United States.

“Solestial has proven a scalable, space-optimized solar technology that is designed to perform in ways legacy and terrestrial solutions cannot,” said Mike Lajczok, CTO of York. “That will give us the ability to build more capable platforms with better performance, lower cost, and greater design flexibility.”

“Solestial was founded to solve the space power bottleneck,” said Margo de Naray, CEO of Solestial. “Our customers need a solution that can scale, perform in space, and be manufactured reliably. Partnering with York allows us to accelerate all three; expanding production, deepening technical integration, and delivering a resilient, American-made capability to a broader set of missions.”

York stated that the acquisition supports a broader strategy involving selective vertical integration of critical subsystems intended to improve manufacturing scalability, supply chain resilience, cost efficiency, and operational flexibility across future space programs. The company further reports that the transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions and is expected to close during the second quarter.

About York Space Systems

York Space Systems develops integrated space mission platforms, satellite technologies, spacecraft systems, and mission infrastructure supporting national security, government, civil, and commercial space applications. The company develops hardware and software systems designed to support satellite operations, orbital communications, mission management, payload integration, and responsive space deployment architectures across the full mission lifecycle. For more information, please click here. 

About Solestial

Solestial develops silicon solar technologies engineered specifically for space environments. The company’s ultrathin, radiation-hardened solar cells and flexible modules are designed to support satellites, orbital infrastructure, space research, lunar systems, and long-duration space operations. Solestial manufactures space solar technologies in Tempe, Arizona, with a focus on scalable domestic manufacturing and lower-cost space power systems supporting future orbital and deep-space missions. To learn more, please click here. 

Source/Photo Credit: York Space Systems

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