HOUGHTON, MI – [March 13, 2026] – Orbion Space Technology, a client of MTEC SmartZone since its inception a decade ago, has announced its acquisition by York Space Systems. This marks a major milestone not only for Orbion, but also for MTEC. What started as an idea has grown into a globally recognized space technology manufacturing company, with thanks in part to MTEC’s early support and guidance.
Support From Day One
CEO Brad King recalls how the company first came together:
“Orbion really began as a matter of perfect timing. Our CTO, Jason Sommerville, and I had been discussing opportunities in the emerging space marketplace and the technologies we believed could address them. Around that same time, MTEC SmartZone was identifying technologies with commercial potential and encouraging founders to build companies around them. They encouraged us to formalize the effort, provided early-stage support, and helped guide the initial steps of raising capital and launching the company.”
That early support was critical to help launch what has become one the Michigan’s most advanced technology companies. Founded in 2016, Orbion designs and manufactures electric propulsion systems used to maneuver and position satellites in orbit. The company began working with MTEC through its Transformative Technologies program in that same year. Through this program, MTEC assisted the company with developing its business plan and connecting Orbion with investors. By leveraging relationships within the investment community,Orbion was able to secure Orbion’s first round of funding and raise over $2.7 million.
King also approached MTEC in search of a facility that could accommodate a growing team and provide the specialized environmental needed to safely manufacture satellite propulsion technology. In 2018, Orbion established its first operations in Houghton’s historic Powerhouse building, an innovation hub operated by the MTEC SmartZone ecosystem that helped launch the company. By 2021, Orbion had expanded to occupy the entire facility, enabling the company to build out the vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities that now differentiate Orbion from its competitors.
While the science behind satellite propulsion is complex, King has often emphasized that Orbion’s innovation lies in how the units are made. Orbion has focused on producing these high-performing systems at a lower cost as compared to similar propulsion devices available in the market, and with a focus on manufacturing at scale. This approach has positioned the company as an attractive partner for large aerospace companies and satellite manufactures, including York Space Systems who require multiple systems for satellite constellations.
A Strategic Acquisition to Strengthen the Supply Chain
Headquartered in Denver, CO, York Space Systems designs and provides space mission solutions for government, defense, and commercial sectors. The company is a major supplier for national security space programs, with over 30 satellites currently in orbit and multiple constellation missions in progress. By acquiring Orbion, York is able to bring the propulsion technology manufacturing in-house. This move supports the company’s strategy of deepening its vertically integrated approach, providing greater control over the satellite supply chain and enabling spacecraft production at scale.
For Orbion, the acquisition will allow the company to support a wide range of missions and customers across the global space industry.
Rooted in the UP
Under the new agreement, Orbion will continue operating from its Houghton facility as a wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of York Space Systems. The acquisition allows York to more closely integrate Orbion’s propulsion technology into its spacecraft platforms, while also strengthening its domestic production capacity for satellite components.
Despite the company’s significant growth, Orbion has remained firmly rooted in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. King has said previously. “You don’t have to sacrifice anything by locating a high-tech business in the UP. If you have a solid business plan and a good team, you’ll compete with anybody.”
We would like to congratulate the entire Orbion team on this exciting new chapter and look forward to watching their continued success.
——————————
Read additional coverage from the Daily Mining Gazette here.
For more information about the aquisition, please read York Space Systems’ press release here.
To learn more about Orbion Space Technology, please see their website here.
To learn more about York Space Systems, please visit their website here.
About MTEC SmartZone
Michigan Tech Enterprise Corporation (MTEC) SmartZone is one of 21 SmartZone Incubators in the State of Michigan. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization directed by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), their mission is to accelerate high-tech businesses growth in the region. Since 2003, MTEC SmartZone has provided mentoring, technical support, and other services to local companies that has led to the creation of over 800 high-tech jobs in the Houghton/Hancock area. For more information, visit mtecsz.com, follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook, and email mtec@mtecsz.com.