York Space Systems Files for IPO

York Space Systems LLC Files for IPO as Company Revenue and Defense Backlog Surges

York Space Systems has filed for an initial public offering, positioning the Denver-based small satellite manufacturer for its next stage of expansion as demand for defense-focused space infrastructure accelerates. 

The company, backed by private equity firm AE Industrial Partners, LP, plans to list on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker YSS, though pricing and share count have not yet been set.

Founded in 2012, York has grown into one of the Space Development Agency’s most critical suppliers, manufacturing satellites across multiple tranches of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, the Pentagon’s rapidly expanding communications and missile warning constellation. 

The company reported a $642 million backlog, with “substantially all” of revenue tied to SDA programs. York has won six PWSA contracts and is positioning itself for future work under the emerging Golden Dome missile defense initiative.

York reported $280.9 million in revenue for the first nine months of 2025, a 59% increase compared to the same period last year, while also reducing net losses year-over-year. The company generated $253.5 million in sales for full-year 2024. 

With more than 670 employees, York has steadily expanded its offerings beyond satellites, adding software, avionics, antennas and other spacecraft components.

Proceeds from the IPO are intended to fund working capital, inventory, R&D and capital expenditures as the company scales production. 

AE Industrial is expected to retain majority voting control post-IPO under NYSE’s controlled-company rules.

York joins a growing list of space companies entering the public markets, following recent listings from Firefly Aerospace and Voyager Technologies, all seeking to capitalize on rising defense spending and demand for resilient space architectures.

Image Credits: York Space Systems