York Space Systems, a leading US-based national defense and commercial prime providing a comprehensive suite of mission-critical solutions, announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Solestial, a leading provider of next-generation space solar technology. The acquisition secures a critical space solar capability within York’s supply chain through U.S-based manufacturing, strengthening control over a key subsystem while reducing reliance on Chinese-controlled materials and manufacturing. Upon closing, Solestial will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of York, continuing to serve customers across commercial, civil and national security markets.
“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.”
Solestial has developed a differentiated approach to space solar, producing ultrathin, radiation-hardened silicon solar cells and modules engineered specifically for the space environment. Solestial is the only space solar provider with self-healing silicon technology proven on orbit, enabling performance while maintaining a path to high-volume manufacturing. As demand for power in space accelerates, the industry faces a growing gap between mission requirements and available, scalable solutions.
Legacy III-V solar solutions remain expensive and capacity constrained, with lead times exceeding two years, while terrestrial silicon alternatives are not designed for space and degrade rapidly under radiation exposure. Both approaches also depend heavily on Chinese-controlled materials and manufacturing, creating supply chain risk for critical missions.
“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.”
Headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, Solestial has established a growing U.S manufacturing footprint and is advancing toward a fully domestic supply chain. With approximately 95 percent of its supply chain already based in the U.S and a clear path to full domestic production, the company is uniquely positioned to scale manufacturing in support of growing demand. Solestial recently expanded its production capabilities through the acquisition of advanced high-volume solar manufacturing equipment, enabling wafer-to-module manufacturing in the U.S.
“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.”
The acquisition represents a strategic step toward selectively integrating critical subsystems, strengthening York’s control over key capabilities while improving manufacturing reliability, scalability and cost efficiency. Solestial will continue to serve as a trusted supplier to the broader ecosystem. The consummation of the acquisition of Solestial is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions and is expected to occur in the second quarter.
Click here to learn more about Solestial’s Space Solar Technology
