
York Space Systems to acquire ATLAS Space Operations
York Space Systems, a US-based defence technology company known for redefining how space-based capabilities are built and operated, has announced its agreement to acquire ATLAS Space Operations. A Ground Software as a Service (GSaaS) provider, ATLAS is expected to significantly enhance Yorks software-driven approach to satellite communications and ground systems.
With this acquisition, York gains access to a software-led ground architecture designed to streamline satellite operations, eliminate integration barriers, and improve space-to-ground resiliency. The deal is set to accelerate Yorks mission of delivering secure, high-performance space systems with greater speed and efficiency. ATLAS will play a critical role in supporting Yorks Golden Dome architecture, an advanced defense platform integrating spacecraft, software, and ground operations to offer comprehensive capabilities in contested space environments.
ATLAS, which was founded in 2015, will continue to operate independently under its established brand. Its Freedom software platform, which provides cloud-native satellite connectivity through a single API and a global network of more than 50 antennas in over 20 countries, is the only GSaaS solution developed and based in the US. The platform shifts the burden of satellite communications from hardware to software, allowing for real-time tasking, automated scheduling, and cloud delivery of mission data, resulting in a cost-effective, scalable, and flexible solution for both government and commercial clients.
Dirk Wallinger, CEO of York, said: 'ATLAS has built one of the most sophisticated and secure ground communications platforms in the industry. 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.'
The Freedom platform enables operatorswhether managing a single satellite or a vast constellationto onboard quickly, stream data to the cloud, and access a global infrastructure without the need for additional physical buildout.
Corey Geer, CEO of ATLAS, added: 'York shares our vision for a future where space systems are faster, smarter, and seamlessly integrated. Together, we are building the infrastructure to meet that future head-on, reducing risk, increasing resilience, and enabling critical data delivery on demand.'
Pending regulatory approvals including from the FCC, the acquisition is expected to significantly strengthen Yorks ability to deliver integrated, mission-ready space systems by combining its high-performance spacecraft and software-defined operations with ATLASs trusted ground communications capabilities. The result will be faster deployment, improved data throughput, and more autonomous, resilient operations supporting both commercial ventures and national security missions.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Al Etihad
23 minutes ago
- Al Etihad
Space42 secures $695.5million facility to fund next-gen UAE satellites
23 July 2025 14:36 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Space42, the UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company that integrates satellite communications, geospatial analytics, and artificial intelligence capabilities with global reach, and listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (under symbol: SPACE42), Wednesday announced the signing of a $695.5 million Export Credit Agency (ECA)-backed financing facility to fund the development of its next-generation geostationary satellites, Al Yah 4 and Al Yah financing represents a pivotal step in Space42's strategy to establish critical connectivity capabilities across multiple facility, arranged by Crédit Agricole CIB, Santander CIB, Societe Generale, and Natixis and backed by Bpifrance Assurance Export, demonstrates the company's continued appeal to leading international banks, and will fund the satellites scheduled for launch in 2027 and facility provides Space42 with cost-effective, long-term financing aligned with its satellite development timeline, whilst strengthening the company's liquidity position to support future growth initiatives."The Al Yah 4 and Al Yah 5 program is underpinned by a 17-year, $5.1 Billion Government contract commencing in 2026 and advances our goal to become the trusted leader in secure connectivity by providing multi-path critical connectivity solutions," said Andrew Cole, Chief Financial Officer of Space42."This strategic pillar focuses on enhancing secure communication capabilities across defense and civil domains through multi-orbit satellite networks that ensure uninterrupted connectivity for mission-critical applications. The ECA financing structure optimizes our cost of funding and provides increased financial flexibility to execute our growth agenda," he added. Advanced Satellite CapabilitiesAl Yah 4 and Al Yah 5 feature software-defined architecture with fully flexible payloads that can be reconfigured in orbit. This technology enables real-time optimisation of coverage, bandwidth, and frequency allocation to meet evolving operational requirements across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia. The satellites will complement and eventually replace Al Yah 1 and Al Yah 2, launched in 2011 and 2012 respectively. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi


Tourism Breaking News
44 minutes ago
- Tourism Breaking News
DBE secures 249 successful bids in first half of 2025, set to welcome 127,087 delegates to the city
Post Views: 48 Dubai Business Events (DBE), the city's official convention bureau, has continued to accelerate the growth of Dubai's business events ecosystem and support the city's tourism growth in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, securing 249 successful bids in the first six months of 2025 to host events through 2025 till 2029, including major congresses and high-profile incentive programmes. This achievement marks a 29% increase in bid submissions compared to the same period last year, with a total of 391 bids submitted year-to-date and a conversion rate of 64%, up from 58% in H1 2024. These confirmed wins are expected to bring 127,087 delegates, a 35% year-on-year increase in delegate numbers, further enhancing Dubai's global standing as a hub for international business events and the emirate's knowledge economy. This performance underlines the overwhelmingly strong response to Dubai's destination proposition and global MICE positioning. The successful bids will enable Dubai to host distinguished international conferences, congresses, and incentive meetings, with a pipeline extending into 2029. This growth reinforces the importance of business events to the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which is focused on doubling the size of the city's economy by 2033 and cementing its status among the world's top three cities to visit, live, and work in. Through strategic collaboration, DBE, part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, worked closely with stakeholders, partners, and local associations, including the Al Safeer Congress Ambassadors, a network of UAE-based key opinion leaders, industry professionals, and government representatives working to bring international business events within their sectors to Dubai and secure high-profile events. The Al Safeer Ambassador Programme, in partnership with the Dubai Association Centre, plays a vital role in strengthening the city's global reputation as a premier destination for meetings, incentives, and conferences, contributing significantly to bid development and success. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: 'Guided by the country's wise leadership, Dubai's achievement during the first half of 2025 is a testament to the city's commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaboration in business events. In collaboration with our stakeholders and partners, we continue to drive the D33 vision and make Dubai a knowledge and business global hub. The diversity and extent of events booked this year confirm Dubai's infrastructure of international standards, accessibility, and market insight. In future years, we remain committed to delivering exceptional value to event organisers and delegates, and to establishing Dubai's leadership position on the international stage.' DBE's active engagement in the international market contributed to its strong performance, with teams conducting five sales missions across Asia (China, Japan and South Korea, India) as well as Europe (France and Belgium) and North America, engaging over 50 stakeholders and partners as well as representing Dubai in key strategic industry trade shows such as IMEX Frankfurt during H1 2025. These persistent activities have kept Dubai at the top of the minds of global event organisers and garnered the interests of decision-makers and delegates worldwide across core sectors. Dubai's global stature as a preferred business events destination was further underlined by new accolades in 2025. The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) ranked Dubai number one globally for highest attendee number per association meeting and the city retained its number one spot in the Middle East and Africa for total number of association meetings hosted. Meanwhile, Cvent confirmed Dubai's leading position among the Top 25 Meeting Destinations in the region. These recognitions affirm the city's ability to successfully and seamlessly accommodate the needs of international organisers across all event types. Dubai's growing appeal is also reflected in its success across corporate, incentive, and association segments. Notable wins during the first half of the year include the 2029 edition of Sibos, which is expected to attract 12,000 delegates, the 2027 1st Conjoint Meeting of the Cervical Spine Research Society – Asia Pacific and Europe with 800 delegates, and the 2026 edition of the World Congress on Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (ISUOG), which will bring 2,000 delegates. Other association events include the 2026 Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat International Conference with 1,500 delegates and the 2026 International Symposium on Electronic Art (ISEA) with 1,000 delegates. In the corporate and incentive space, Dubai secured the 2026 Africa Energy Forum with 2,000 delegates, the Herbalife Multiple Market Incentive with 2,400 delegates, and the Planisware Incentive with 1,300 delegates. Returning events include Token2049 in 2026 with 15,000 delegates. Google will also call Dubai its home for two of its flagship conferences in 2026 and 2028, with 4,000 delegates each year. These achievements were further supported by DBE's Al Safeer Programme, which contributed to 51 ambassador-led bids during the period, winning 32 to date. Through year-round engagement and close collaboration with hotels, venues, Professional Congress Organisers (PCOs), Destination Management Companies (DMCs), and other service providers, DBE continues to attract prestigious business events to Dubai. The bureau also hosted study missions and participated in international events such as IMEX Frankfurt, providing meeting planners and industry stakeholders the opportunity to experience Dubai's dynamic business events infrastructure first-hand. Through the rest of the year, DBE will continue to participate in key strategic trade shows and events including Epex, IMEX Las Vegas, IBTM Barcelona, the ICCA Middle East Summit in Bahrain and ICCA global congress in Porto, joined by partners and stakeholders to grow collaborative efforts and drive Dubai's business events positioning further.


Fintech News ME
an hour ago
- Fintech News ME
Wio Invest Surpasses $1B in Assets Under Administration Within Two Years
Wio Invest, a digital investment platform based in the UAE and owned by ADQ, has exceeded US$1 billion in Assets Under Administration (AUA) in under two years of operation. This milestone places the platform among the fastest-growing digital investment services globally, comparable to leading neobrokers at similar stages of development. The platform began by offering access to US markets and has since expanded to include UAE markets, virtual assets, and managed wealth portfolios, in response to the evolving needs of a new generation of investors seeking accessible and reliable financial tools. 'This latest milestone reflects our commitment to reimagining everyday investing, and we've worked hard to build a platform that makes it simpler, smarter, and more accessible for everyone,' said Gaurav Ganwani, Deputy General Manager at Wio Securities. 'Through Wio Invest's integration with Wio Personal, users can open an account in minutes, invest directly from the app, and benefit from the instant settlement of sell orders. The fact that so many customers stay engaged and continue to invest with us speaks volumes, and we're continuously refining the journey to make it as seamless as possible.' Year to date, Wio Invest has facilitated over US$4 billion in order volume. Its user base consists largely of digitally native and financially engaged individuals focused on long-term goals. Among the most traded assets are US technology stocks such as NVIDIA and Tesla, alongside cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and XRP. The platform has also seen activity around companies like MicroStrategy, which have significant investments in digital assets. There has been notable uptake in recurring orders, particularly for index funds, indicating sustained interest in consistent and long-term investment approaches. The introduction of Wio Wealth, a managed portfolio solution, is the platform's latest feature, designed to support passive investors. The service is currently offered with zero fees until 31 December 2025 and allows withdrawals at any time without penalties. With continued growth in customer activity and new feature rollouts, Wio Invest is further establishing itself in the regional investment space, with a stated focus on simplicity, access, and user-oriented innovation.