Aerospace & Defense Acquisitions in Colorado
Colorado Aerospace & Defense Deal Trends
Colorado’s aerospace and defense acquisitions span the full stack—from in-space servicing and rendezvous operations to mission planning, RF-spectrum analytics, and propulsion and energetics manufacturing. Recent transactions show buyers building out capabilities for government and commercial space, plus connected intelligence and national security missions.
A recurring theme is consolidation around mission-critical technology. Examples include Voyager Technologies expanding domestic propulsion and energetics capacity through acquisitions of ExoTerra Resource and Estes Energetics, and KBR, Inc. completing the acquisition of LinQuest Corporation to broaden space and connected battlespace capabilities.
The activity also reflects subsector carve-outs and platform building. HawkEye 360 acquired RF Solutions from Maxar Intelligence to expand RF scanning and analytics, while Enlightenment Capital formed the Colorado Springs-based space-focused platform Auria by merging four portfolio companies into a broader mid-tier defense and space contractor.
What Stands Out
- Voyager Technologies has multiple Colorado-area moves focused on propulsion and energetics, strengthening U.S.-based domestic capabilities for defense, space, and national security customers.
- KBR, Inc. completed a Colorado-relevant space/intelligence acquisition by integrating LinQuest Corporation into its Government Solutions and Defense & Intel organization.
- Platform-building appears in deals like Enlightenment Capital’s creation of Auria by merging Boecore, Ascension Engineering Group, Orbit Logic, and La Jolla Logic.
- Specialty capability expansion is also visible, from HawkEye 360’s RF spectrum scanning analytics (via RF Solutions) to Arcfield’s SmallSat/CubeSat integration and mission operations (via Orion Space Solutions).
- Transaction forms vary: combinations (e.g., Auria), acquisitions of operating companies, and divestiture-led expansion (e.g., HawkEye 360’s Maxar RF Solutions unit).
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January 7, 2026
- Buyer
- Sabel Systems Technology Solutions
- Target
- Centil
- Industry
- Aerospace & Defense
- Location
- Colorado, United States
- Type
- Addon
Sabel Systems Technology Solutions has acquired Centil to strengthen its digital engineering and space-domain capabilities, particularly in DevSecOps and CI/CD product development for defense and commercial space customers. The deal is Sabel's second acquisition since Sagewind Capital made a majority investment in the company in October; legal and financial advisers for the deal were named in the announcement.
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November 20, 2025
- Buyer
- Voyager Technologies
- Target
- Estes Energetics
- Industry
- Aerospace & Defense
- Location
- Colorado, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Voyager Technologies (NYSE: VOYG) has acquired Estes Energetics, a U.S. manufacturer of energetics, propulsion materials and specialized chemical compounds used in missile defense and tactical munitions. The deal gives Voyager vertical control over production, certification and surge capacity for critical energetics, strengthening domestic propulsion capabilities for defense, space and national security customers.
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November 1, 2025
- Buyer
- Voyager Technologies
- Target
- ExoTerra Resource
- Industry
- Aerospace & Defense
- Location
- Colorado, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Voyager Technologies (NYSE: VOYG) has acquired ExoTerra Resource, a developer of advanced electric propulsion systems, to strengthen U.S.-based propulsion capabilities for defense and commercial space markets. The deal gives Voyager ExoTerra's Halo thruster technology and existing contracts (including DARPA and NASA work), enabling expanded domestic manufacturing and improved mission-critical propulsion offerings.
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April 24, 2025
- Buyer
- Katalyst Space Technologies
- Target
- Atomos Space
- Industry
- Aerospace & Defense
- Location
- Colorado, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Katalyst Space Technologies has acquired Atomos Space to accelerate and expand its in‑space servicing and rendezvous-and-proximity-operations (RPO) capabilities. The deal brings Atomos’ Quark spacecraft, IP, and key personnel (including co-founder Vanessa Clark) into Katalyst, and Katalyst will continue operating Atomos’ 20,000 sq ft facility in Broomfield, Colorado while remaining headquartered in Flagstaff, Arizona.
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April 22, 2025
- Buyer
- Thoma Bravo
- Target
- Jeppesen, ForeFlight, AerData, OzRunways
- Seller
- The Boeing Company
- Industry
- Aerospace & Defense
- Location
- Colorado, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Thoma Bravo agreed to acquire portions of The Boeing Company's Digital Aviation Solutions business — including Jeppesen, ForeFlight, AerData and OzRunways — in an all-cash transaction valued at $10.55 billion. The deal (closed Oct 31, 2025) creates the standalone company Jeppesen ForeFlight, led by Brad Surak, and allows Boeing to retain select core digital capabilities while the new business pursues accelerated product and AI-led growth under Thoma Bravo ownership.
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September 3, 2024
- Buyer
- KBR, Inc.
- Target
- LinQuest Corporation
- Industry
- Aerospace & Defense
- Location
- Colorado, United States
- Type
- Buyout
KBR, Inc. has completed the acquisition of LinQuest Corporation, a provider of advanced engineering, data analytics and digital integration for national security space and intelligence missions. LinQuest (1,500+ employees) will be integrated into KBR's Government Solutions segment and Defense & Intel business unit to expand KBR's space, air dominance and connected battlespace capabilities.
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- Buyer
- Interconnect Solutions Company (ISC), Tide Rock
- Target
- CABLENET Aerospace
- Seller
- Assayesh family
- Industry
- Aerospace & Defense
- Location
- Colorado, United States
- Type
- Addon
Interconnect Solutions Company (ISC), a portfolio company of Tide Rock, acquired CABLENET Aerospace, a Denver-area contract manufacturer of cable assemblies, harnesses, EGSE/GSE and electromechanical assemblies for aerospace, defense and space customers. The deal brings CABLENET into ISC’s vertically integrated interconnect platform to expand capabilities and ISC's footprint into Colorado; the Assayesh family sold the business with SDR Ventures advising the sellers.
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- Buyer
- Enlightenment Capital
- Target
- Boecore, Ascension Engineering Group, Orbit Logic, La Jolla Logic
- Industry
- Aerospace & Defense
- Location
- Colorado, United States
- Type
- Addon
Enlightenment Capital has combined four portfolio companies—Boecore, Ascension Engineering Group, Orbit Logic, and La Jolla Logic—into a new space-focused platform called Auria, based in Colorado Springs. Auria will deliver mission planning, space domain awareness, satellite communications management and cybersecurity capabilities and will employ more than 400 people across the combined businesses. The consolidation is intended to broaden the customer base, expand capabilities and create a mid-tier contractor in the space and defense market.
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December 28, 2023
- Buyer
- HawkEye 360
- Target
- RF Solutions
- Seller
- Maxar Intelligence
- Industry
- Aerospace & Defense
- Location
- Colorado, United States
- Type
- Divestiture
Herndon-based HawkEye 360 has acquired RF Solutions, a Westminster, Colorado business unit formerly part of Maxar Intelligence. The deal, a divestiture of Maxar's RF Solutions assets, adds two on-orbit satellites, IP, a data archive and about 11 employees to HawkEye 360, expanding its RF-spectrum scanning and analytics capabilities.
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November 29, 2023
- Buyer
- Arcfield
- Target
- Orion Space Solutions
- Industry
- Aerospace & Defense
- Location
- Colorado, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Arcfield has completed its acquisition of Orion Space Solutions, a Colorado-based developer of end-to-end space mission capabilities. The deal expands Arcfield's capabilities in SmallSat/CubeSat design and integration, sensors and payload development, space mission operations, and data analysis to support Department of Defense and Intelligence Community missions.
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November 16, 2023
- Buyer
- SMX, OceanSound Partners
- Target
- Outside Analytics
- Industry
- Aerospace & Defense
- Location
- Colorado, United States
- Type
- Buyout
SMX, a provider of mission support and digital transformation services, has acquired Outside Analytics, a Colorado-based software engineering and data analytics firm focused on the National Security Space community. The acquisition adds geospatial analytics, sensor data processing, and visualization capabilities to SMX and expands its footprint in the national security space market; financial terms were not disclosed.
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- Buyer
- New State Aviation Holdings, New State Capital Partners
- Target
- Finnoff Aviation Products
- Industry
- Aerospace & Defense
- Location
- Colorado, United States
- Type
- Addon
New State Capital Partners’ aviation platform, New State Aviation Holdings (NS Aviation), has acquired Finnoff Aviation Products, a Broomfield, Colorado–based provider of engine, propeller and avionics upgrades for the Pilatus PC-12. Finnoff’s founder and management will remain with the company; the deal is an add-on to NS Aviation’s existing aviation portfolio (including Blackhawk Aerospace and AVEX) and terms were not disclosed.
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- Buyer
- Advent International, British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI)
- Target
- Maxar Technologies
- Industry
- Aerospace & Defense
- Location
- Colorado, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Advent International, together with minority investor British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI), completed the acquisition of Maxar Technologies. The deal was announced in December 2022 as an all-cash transaction valuing Maxar at approximately $6.4 billion ($53.00 per share) and has now closed, taking Maxar private and ending its stock exchange listings.
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January 17, 2023
- Buyer
- AIM MRO Holdings, LLC, AE Industrial Partners, LP
- Target
- Tribologix
- Industry
- Aerospace & Defense
- Location
- Colorado, United States
- Type
- Addon
AE Industrial Partners-backed AIM MRO Holdings, LLC acquired Tribologix, a Golden, Colorado-based developer of engineered dry film lubricants and surface coatings for extreme environments. Terms were not disclosed; Tribologix CEO Ben Ehrens will remain with the business as a consultant and the deal expands AIM MRO's capabilities in aerospace-grade surface coatings.
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November 28, 2022
- Buyer
- Highlander Partners, L.P.
- Target
- Liteye Systems, Inc.
- Industry
- Aerospace & Defense
- Location
- Colorado, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Highlander Partners, through its newly formed High Point Aerotechnologies division, acquired Liteye Systems, a U.S.-based developer and integrator of counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS). The transaction marks the first investment by High Point as Highlander pursues a buy-and-build strategy to create a platform in the C-UAS/UAS and related defense markets to support government and military customers.
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October 13, 2022
- Buyer
- Veritas Capital (affiliate)
- Target
- CAES Space Systems
- Seller
- CAES
- Industry
- Aerospace & Defense
- Location
- Colorado, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Veritas Capital announced that an affiliate has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire CAES Space Systems from CAES. The company supplies high-reliability, radiation-hardened electronic solutions for space, defense, healthcare, and industrial applications, and the transaction is expected to close in Q1 2023 subject to customary conditions and approvals.
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- Buyer
- Boecore, Enlightenment Capital
- Target
- Ascension Engineering Group
- Industry
- Aerospace & Defense
- Location
- Colorado, United States
- Type
- Addon
Boecore, a Colorado Springs-based defense and space systems contractor backed by Enlightenment Capital, has acquired Ascension Engineering Group (AEG), a space systems and satellite communications engineering provider founded in 2017. The acquisition is an add-on to Boecore's platform to expand capabilities and service offerings for Space Force, NASA, the Army and commercial space customers.
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- Buyer
- AE Industrial Partners, BlackRock Private Equity Partners
- Target
- York Space Systems
- Industry
- Aerospace & Defense
- Location
- Colorado, United States
- Type
- Buyout
AE Industrial Partners has agreed to acquire a majority stake in York Space Systems, a Denver-based manufacturer of small satellites and turnkey mission operations, with funds managed by BlackRock Private Equity Partners investing alongside. The deal provides York with institutional capital to scale production capacity and accelerate growth across government and commercial satellite markets; CEO Dirk Wallinger and Chairman Charles Beames will remain in leadership and retain significant ownership.
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August 3, 2022
- Buyer
- Slingshot Aerospace
- Target
- Numerica (Space Domain Awareness division), Seradata
- Seller
- Numerica Corporation, Seradata
- Industry
- Aerospace & Defense
- Location
- Colorado, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Slingshot Aerospace acquired Numerica Corporation’s Space Domain Awareness (SDA) division and UK-based Seradata to expand its space situational awareness, sensor network, and industry data capabilities. The deals add a global optical sensor network, the Seradata SpaceTrak launch and satellite database, and new offices/team members—strengthening Slingshot’s product suite and establishing a UK/European footprint.
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- Buyer
- Vitesse Systems, Trive Capital
- Target
- Custom Microwave, Inc.
- Seller
- Clency Lee-Yow (Owner and CEO of CMi)
- Industry
- Aerospace & Defense
- Location
- Colorado, United States
- Type
- Addon
Trive Capital-backed platform Vitesse Systems has acquired Custom Microwave, Inc. (CMi), a Longmont, Colorado-based maker of high-performance passive antennas for space and ground applications. The add-on expands Vitesse's capabilities in antenna design and advanced manufacturing (electroforming and additive manufacturing) to better serve satellite, radar and electronic-warfare customers.
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January 25, 2022
- Buyer
- Enlightenment Capital
- Target
- Boecore
- Seller
- Kathy Boe
- Industry
- Aerospace & Defense
- Location
- Colorado, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Enlightenment Capital has acquired Boecore, a Colorado Springs–headquartered provider of space and strategic defense engineering, software and cybersecurity solutions. Enlightenment plans to invest in Boecore as a platform for growth—both organically and via acquisitions—to broaden capabilities across space, missile defense, hypersonics and cybersecurity; founder Kathy Boe will remain as an adviser and retain a minority stake. Terms were not disclosed.
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October 12, 2021
- Buyer
- Rocket Lab USA, Inc.
- Target
- Advanced Solutions, Inc.
- Industry
- Aerospace & Defense
- Location
- Colorado, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Rocket Lab USA, Inc. completed the acquisition of Advanced Solutions, Inc. (ASI), a Colorado-based aerospace engineering firm specializing in flight software, mission simulation, and GNC, for $40 million plus up to $5.5 million of performance-based earnouts. The deal expands Rocket Lab's Space Systems capabilities and integrates ASI's proven flight software and GNC expertise into Rocket Lab's Photon and broader spacecraft offerings.
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October 1, 2021
- Buyer
- CAES
- Target
- Colorado Engineering, Inc.
- Industry
- Aerospace & Defense
- Location
- Colorado, United States
- Type
- Buyout
CAES has acquired Colorado Engineering, Inc. (CEI), a Colorado Springs-based provider of RF and high-performance computing (HPC) solutions, to broaden CAES' digital systems engineering and manufacturing capabilities. The acquisition combines CAES' RF, microwave and manufacturing expertise with CEI's digital systems, radar, communications and AI/ML capabilities to better serve defense and commercial customers.
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September 14, 2021
- Buyer
- Raytheon Technologies, Raytheon Intelligence & Space
- Target
- SEAKR Engineering, Inc.
- Industry
- Aerospace & Defense
- Location
- Colorado, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Raytheon Technologies, through its Raytheon Intelligence & Space business, signed a definitive agreement to acquire SEAKR Engineering, a Colorado-based supplier of space-qualified electronics. SEAKR will become a wholly-owned subsidiary reporting into Raytheon Intelligence & Space; the deal expands Raytheon's space electronics capabilities and product portfolio.
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- Buyer
- Arcline Investment Management
- Target
- Air Comm Corporation
- Industry
- Aerospace & Defense
- Location
- Colorado, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Arcline Investment Management acquired a controlling stake in Air Comm Corporation in a transaction valuing the company at $250 million; Dave Harrison remains a significant minority shareholder and will serve as Chairman. Air Comm, based in Westminster, Colorado, designs, manufactures, and services environmental control and thermal management systems for aerospace OEMs, fleets and aftermarket service providers; Arcline plans to partner with management to expand MRO capabilities and pursue organic and inorganic growth.
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July 2, 2021
- Buyer
- Chumash Capital Investments, LLC, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians
- Target
- Capco, LLC
- Seller
- Capco Growth Partners LLC
- Industry
- Aerospace & Defense
- Location
- Colorado, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Chumash Capital Investments, the investment arm of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, acquired Capco, LLC, a Grand Junction, Colorado-based manufacturer of mission-critical energetics devices and mechanical systems for military and related markets. The transaction closed July 2, 2021 (terms undisclosed); Capco operates a ~100,000 sq. ft. facility and employs more than 300 people, and was sold by its prior sponsor, Capco Growth Partners LLC.
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June 8, 2021
- Buyer
- Angeles Equity Partners, LLC, Stellus Capital Management, LLC
- Target
- Primus Aerospace
- Industry
- Aerospace & Defense
- Location
- Colorado, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Angeles Equity Partners acquired Primus Aerospace, a Lakewood, Colorado-based manufacturer of complex precision components and assemblies for aerospace, defense, and space customers. Stellus Capital Management provided unitranche financing and an equity co-investment to support the transaction; financial terms were not disclosed.
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January 19, 2021
- Buyer
- Redwire, AE Industrial Partners
- Target
- Oakman Aerospace
- Industry
- Aerospace & Defense
- Location
- Colorado, United States
- Type
- Addon
Redwire, a PE-backed space infrastructure company formed by AE Industrial Partners, has acquired Oakman Aerospace, a Littleton, Colorado-based provider of digital engineering, spacecraft and satellite design, and mission payload services. The acquisition expands Redwire’s digital engineering and modular open-systems capabilities to support a broader range of space missions; terms were not disclosed.
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November 19, 2020
- Buyer
- Parsons Corporation
- Target
- Braxton Science & Technology Group, LLC
- Industry
- Aerospace & Defense
- Location
- Colorado, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Parsons Corporation completed the acquisition of Braxton Science & Technology Group for $300 million (reported as $258 million less the tax asset). Braxton, headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, brings more than 370 employees and expands Parsons' capabilities in satellite operations, ground system automation, flight dynamics, and space cyber for defense and intelligence customers.
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November 10, 2020
- Buyer
- Raytheon Technologies
- Target
- Blue Canyon Technologies
- Industry
- Aerospace & Defense
- Location
- Colorado, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Raytheon Technologies has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire small-satellite manufacturer Blue Canyon Technologies. The acquisition will fold BCT into Raytheon Intelligence & Space and expand Raytheon's capabilities in turnkey small-satellite solutions to serve government, commercial and academic customers.
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October 29, 2020
- Buyer
- Redwire, AE Industrial Partners
- Target
- Roccor
- Industry
- Aerospace & Defense
- Location
- Colorado, United States
- Type
- Addon
Redwire has acquired Roccor, a Longmont, Colorado manufacturer of deployable booms, structures, antennas, thermal products and solar arrays for small satellites. Terms were not disclosed; the deal adds Roccor’s flight‑proven hardware to the Redwire platform (a company formed and backed by private equity firm AE Industrial Partners) to expand Redwire’s space infrastructure capabilities.
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July 13, 2020
- Buyer
- Voyager Space Holdings, Inc.
- Target
- Pioneer Astronautics
- Industry
- Aerospace & Defense
- Location
- Colorado, United States
- Type
- Addon
Voyager Space Holdings, a space-focused holding company based in Denver, acquired Pioneer Astronautics, an aerospace R&D firm headquartered in Lakewood, Colorado, in a cash-and-stock transaction. The deal expands Voyager's vertical integration and technical capabilities in space systems development, particularly in in‑situ resource utilization and life‑support technologies for lunar and deep‑space exploration.
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June 1, 2020
- Buyer
- AE Industrial Partners, LP
- Target
- Deep Space Systems
- Industry
- Aerospace & Defense
- Location
- Colorado, United States
- Type
- Addon
AE Industrial Partners (AEI) acquired Deep Space Systems (DSS) and will combine it with Adcole Space to form Redwire, a new space-technology platform focused on mission-critical space systems and high-reliability electronics. The deal brings DSS’s spacecraft engineering, payloads, and ground support capabilities into the AEI-backed Redwire platform to expand scale and complementary capabilities for government and commercial space customers.
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September 14, 2017
- Buyer
- L3 Technologies
- Target
- Doss Aviation, Inc.
- Industry
- Aerospace & Defense
- Location
- Colorado, United States
- Type
- Buyout
L3 Technologies completed the acquisition of Doss Aviation, Inc. on September 12, 2017; terms were not disclosed. The purchase adds Doss’s initial flight training and airfield support capabilities (including a Pueblo, Colorado training facility) to L3’s Electronic Systems segment, expanding L3’s military pilot training footprint and expected to be accretive to earnings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies show up repeatedly in Colorado aerospace & defense acquisitions?
Recurring buyer names in the listed Colorado activity include AE Industrial Partners, Enlightenment Capital, Voyager Technologies, Raytheon Technologies, Redwire, Advent International, KBR, Inc., and Katalyst Space Technologies.
What kinds of capability areas are being targeted in these deals?
Common themes include propulsion and energetics manufacturing, space mission capabilities (e.g., SmallSat/CubeSat design and operations), digital/mission software (including geospatial and data analytics), and in-space servicing and proximity operations.
Are these acquisitions mainly focused on defense programs or commercial space too?
The deals repeatedly reference government (including Department of Defense and intelligence customers) and commercial space. For example, Voyager Technologies acquisitions are described as supporting both defense and commercial space markets.
Do any transactions involve divestitures rather than full company acquisitions?
Yes. HawkEye 360 acquired RF Solutions as a divestiture of Maxar Intelligence assets, bringing additional satellites, IP, and related capabilities into HawkEye 360.