AE Industrial forms new space tech player

One of the government market’s most active private equity firms has formed a new player in the space technology market on the heels of two acquisitions closed this year.

In a release Monday, AE Industrial Partners said it acquired payload provider Deep Space Systems and combined that company with Adcole Space (purchased in March) to form what is now Redwire.

"Combining DSS with Adcole Space to form Redwire will provide opportunities for current employees of DSS to contribute and build a truly one of a kind space company with unlimited potential," said Steve Bailey, president of Deep Space Systems. "The combination of our businesses will enable us to offer our customers a one-stop shop for complex space exploration products and services."

Deep Space Systems was founded in 2001 and focuses on design, development, integration, testing, and operations of advanced space systems, components, and exploration spacecraft. The company’s products include integrated spacecraft, fully qualified payloads, spacecraft elements, data acquisition and recovery systems, ground support equipment, and embedded software.

Littleton, Colorado-based Deep Space Systems has supported U.S. space programs such as the Space Shuttle, International Space Station, Orion, Dream Chaser, planetary exploration missions and classified programs.

Started in 1957, Adcole Space provides satellite components to spacecraft that operate in low-earth and geosynchronous orbits. This company’s offerings have been used in voyages to Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto.

BRG served as financial adviser and Akerman LLP served as legal adviser to AEI. Holland & Hart LLP served as legal adviser to DSS.