York Space Systems, a key supplier for the Pentagon’s next-generation satellite constellation, has officially initiated the process of becoming a publicly traded company. The Denver-based manufacturer submitted a Form S-1 registration statement to the Securities and Exchange Commission on Nov. 17, signaling its intent to access capital markets.
While the company refrained from specifying the number of shares it plans to offer or the anticipated price per share, it announced its intention to list on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol YSS. Goldman Sachs, Jefferies, and Wells Fargo Securities have been designated as the lead underwriters for the offering.
York is primarily owned by AE Industrial Partners, a private equity firm with a strong presence in the aerospace and defense sectors. This move places York alongside other space companies like Voyager Technologies and Firefly Aerospace in pursuing public offerings.
Over the past decade, York has transitioned from a small-satellite specialist to a prominent player in the national security space market. The company designs and builds satellites, provides ground systems, and manages constellations, an integrated approach that has positioned it for significant government programs.
In 2022, York secured a crucial role in the Space Development Agency’s Transport Layer, a low Earth orbit network designed to enhance U.S. military communications and missile-tracking capabilities. This SDA architecture is a high priority for the Pentagon as the U.S. aims to bolster its resilience against potential interference.
To meet increasing demand, York has opened a fourth production facility and, through its parent company, moved to acquire Atlas Space Operations to strengthen its space-to-ground communications services.
Financial disclosures in the S-1 filing reveal growth tied to national security work. For the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2025, York reported approximately $280.9 million in revenue, reflecting a nearly 59% increase from the previous year. The company reported a net loss of around $56 million during this period, an improvement from the $73.6 million loss recorded a year earlier.
While the filing represents a necessary regulatory step towards an IPO, several details remain unclear, including valuation, share count, and pricing. York still needs to obtain NYSE approval and finalize underwriting terms. Bankers note that the remaining window for 2025 is limited, making timing crucial.
Analysts suggest that hardware-focused space companies involved in government programs are attracting increased attention as the Defense Department accelerates its plans to modernize its satellite fleets. “York’s filing suggests those firms see an opportunity to raise capital while the market remains receptive.”