WASHINGTON — York Space Systems is expanding its prime-contractor work into geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO) with two small satellites being built for the U.S. Space Force.
Tetra-3 and Tetra-4 Missions
The satellites, known as Tetra-3 and Tetra-4 and internally called “Nemesis” by York, are designed to detect, track and maneuver near other objects in GEO.
The missions will support Space Domain Awareness (SDA) activities, including demonstrations involving resident space objects and rendezvous and proximity operations.
York is serving as the prime contractor, responsible for spacecraft design, sensor integration and overall mission execution.
Sensors and Mission Equipment
The satellites will carry mission sensors and government-furnished equipment to support on-orbit threat presentation, independent range-data collection, small-satellite technology risk reduction and experimental payload hosting.
The integrated payload includes:
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Long-wave infrared camera
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GEO-qualified GPS side-lobe receiver
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LiDAR sensor capable of ranging resident space objects up to 20 kilometers
Critical Design Review
York said Tetra-3 and Tetra-4 successfully completed their Delta Critical Design Review (CDR) and remain scheduled for spacecraft delivery in the fourth quarter of 2026.
During the design-review phase, a requirement was added for a new propulsion system needed for full mission capability. York incorporated the system on an accelerated schedule without changing the spacecraft's structural, thermal or power profiles.
The company also reported no impact on launch-vehicle integration, with only minor harness and flight-software updates required.
Marc Cordova, York's vice president of programs, said the ability to accommodate significant late-stage design changes without causing cascading schedule delays is an important requirement for prime integrators supporting national-security missions.
Expansion into GEO
The Nemesis missions mark York's expansion of prime-integration work into GEO and represent the ninth unique mission set in its national-defense portfolio.
York's existing defense work includes synthetic aperture radar, assured communications and tactical warfighter support across multiple orbits.
GEO is located approximately 22,300 miles above Earth. Satellites operating there can remain over a similar point on the planet, making the orbit important for communications and national-security missions.
Michael Lajczok, York Space Systems' chief technology officer, said Nemesis demonstrates the company's ability to prime, integrate and deliver missions across different orbital regimes.
York Space Systems is based in Denver and develops satellites for national-security, government and commercial customers. The company is publicly traded under the ticker YSS.
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