On November 29, Arcfield, a U.S. defense and intelligence contractor affiliated with private equity firm Veritas Capital, successfully concluded the acquisition of Orion Space Solutions, a leading developer and manufacturer specializing in small satellites and sensor payloads. The financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed. Headquartered in Chantilly, Virginia, Arcfield emerged in December 2021 from the former systems engineering and support services business of Peraton. Meanwhile, Orion Space Solutions, previously known as Atmospheric & Space Technology Research Associates, was established in 2005 and underwent a renaming in 2022, with its base in Louisville, Colorado.

The strategic move is poised to augment Arcfield’s capabilities in space exploration and hypersonic detection and tracking for entities within the Department of Defense and the intelligence community. Kevin Kelly, Chairman and CEO of Arcfield, highlighted the significance of the acquisition in bolstering the company’s proficiency in sensor and payload design, spacecraft integration, manufacturing, as well as space mission operations and data analysis. Emphasizing a commitment to delivering next-generation space technologies, Kelly expressed confidence that the integration of Orion would significantly contribute to supporting the missions of the Department of Defense and the intelligence community. Geoff Crowley, the founder and CEO of Orion, will continue his role as chief scientist within Arcfield, while Chad Fish has been appointed as the President and General Manager of Orion, which will function as a distinct business sector under the umbrella of Arcfield.