Redwire Acquires Deployable Space Systems

Jacksonville, Fla., February 23, 2021--Redwire has acquired Deployable Space Systems (DSS), a leading supplier of mission-enabling deployable solar arrays, structures and mechanisms for space applications.Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“DSS has an unmatched reputation for innovative deployable space technologies and infrastructure, and that is a perfect fit for Redwire’s technology portfolio,” said Peter Cannito, Chairman and CEO of Redwire. “These new capabilities will expand our set of space infrastructure solutions and deliver even greater value to our customers.”

“Redwire has the vision, resources, reputation and relationships to take DSS to the next level, and we’re excited to join the team at this critical stage of our company growth,” said DSS President and Co-founder Brian Spence. “As a part of Redwire, we will be able to better serve our customers and scale our capabilities to support demand, while maintaining our innovative culture and strong commitment to provide the highest value for our customers.”

“While DSS has contracts with the largest leaders in aerospace today, Redwire will provide us with the size and breadth of services needed to secure even more competitive projects in the industry,” said DSS Vice President and Co-founder Steve White.

Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Goleta, California, DSS is the leading developer and provider of satellite mechanisms, deployable structures and booms and deployable solar array systems to the global space market. The company’s key products include deployable solar array systems, deployable structural and mechanical systems and supporting subsystems. This includes the award-winning and patented Roll-Out Solar Array, which NASA will use to upgrade the International Space Station’s solar arrays later this year. In collaboration with its customers, DSS designs, analyzes, builds, tests and delivers state-of-the-art deployable technologies and innovative products that are being implemented in Department of Defense, NASA and commercial programs.

DSS marks Redwire’s seventh acquisition. Redwire has amassed an innovative portfolio of space infrastructure capabilities through the strategic acquisitions of Adcole Space, Deep Space Systems, Made In Space, Roccor, LoadPath and Oakman Aerospace. Redwire was formed in June 2020 by AE Industrial Partners, LP (AEI), a private equity firm specializing in Aerospace, Defense, Space & Government Services, Power Generation and Specialty Industrial markets.

“Redwire and AEI have been focused on identifying innovative companies that are critical to enabling sustainable space infrastructure, and DSS’s dominance in innovative deployable solar arrays and structures is a valuable addition to Redwire’s technology portfolio,” said Kirk Konert, Partner at AEI. “We are pleased to see Redwire’s strategic growth as the industry leader for space infrastructure.”

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP served as the financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as the legal advisor to Redwire. Fell, Marking, Abkin, Montgomery, Granet & Raney, LLP was the legal advisor to DSS.