DENVER — York Space Systems, a Denver-based aerospace technology company, announced today the readiness for launch of its Dragoon mission, marking a significant leap forward in national security space initiatives. The Dragoon mission, the first in a planned constellation of 12 prototype satellites, aims to demonstrate secure connectivity for warfighter platforms, enhancing capabilities in targeting, missile warning, and the tracking of advanced missile threats. Remarkably, the spacecraft was delivered just seven months after the award was finalized and is set to launch within the next month.
This mission underscores York Space Systems’ commitment to supporting national security space initiatives and aligns with the Space Development Agency’s (SDA) vision for proliferated space-based defense capabilities. Dragoon is one of five distinct missions York is launching in 2025, showcasing the company’s ability to rapidly deliver specialized, production-ready space assets tailored to meet both government and commercial needs.
“This mission is a step forward in building the resilient space architectures needed to support real-time operations and stay ahead of evolving threats,” said Melanie Preisser, GM and Executive VP at York. “Dragoon demonstrates how York is delivering high-performance spacecraft faster and more reliably than traditional approaches allow.”
Built on York’s LX-CLASS platform, Dragoon exemplifies the company’s vertically integrated production model, encompassing design, manufacturing, testing, flight software, ground software, automated test systems, and mission operations. This approach is part of a broader effort to rapidly deploy next-generation systems that enable persistent threat detection and direct tactical support.
Michael Lajczok, CTO of York, emphasized the company’s production capabilities: “Our production approach is purpose-built for missions like Dragoon. With five unique missions launching this year, we’re scaling innovation to meet customer requirements and demonstrate what a truly responsive space mission provider can do.”
York Space Systems is expanding its role as a major provider of satellites for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) and a trusted partner in delivering complete mission solutions for national defense customers. The company leverages its robust, vertically integrated domestic infrastructure and investments in mass production and supply chain resilience to deliver operational capabilities at scale.
York’s end-to-end technology stack, from spacecraft and mission software to launch and autonomous operations, enables faster deployment, greater responsiveness, and mission assurance across the most demanding defense applications.
“We’re not just delivering the most affordable satellites at scale, we’re delivering complete defense technology solutions,” added Preisser. “Our ability to integrate software, hardware, and autonomous operations into one seamless system is what sets York apart. We’ve built the infrastructure, the supply chains, and the expertise to meet the mission needs of our national security partners at speed, at scale, and on their demanding timelines.”
York Space Systems was founded with the goal of transforming the speed and economics of space access. Today, it stands as a leading developer of complete defense technology solutions, delivering integrated, mission-ready systems that combine spacecraft production, payload and system integration, launch and ground segment services, and autonomous mission operations.
Headquartered in Denver, York’s vertically integrated model and standardized S-CLASS, LX-CLASS, and M-CLASS platforms support a wide array of missions, from ISR and remote sensing to communications and proximity operations. Paired with York’s proprietary software stack and cloud-based tasking tools, these platforms enable seamless mission deployment and real-time operations that provide customers a competitive advantage.
With six dedicated facilities and a resilient domestic supply chain, York delivers rapid, scalable space solutions for national security, civil, and commercial partners. The company’s ability to provide complete defense technology solutions, integrating software, hardware, and autonomous operations into one seamless system, sets it apart in the industry. York has built the infrastructure, supply chains, and expertise to meet the mission needs of its national security partners at speed, at scale, and on demanding timelines.
The Dragoon mission represents a critical step forward in building resilient space architectures that support real-time operations and stay ahead of evolving threats. York’s high-performance spacecraft are being delivered faster and more reliably than traditional approaches allow, marking a significant advancement in the space industry.
