Traverse City, Mich. – October 10, 2024 – ATLAS Space Operations, a pioneering software company providing satellite ground communications and antenna network services for commercial and government agencies, today announced the appointment of Casey G. Cowell as Interim CEO. Cowell, who currently serves as the company’s Executive Chairman, will succeed John E. Williams, the former President and CEO, who is stepping down due to health reasons and will continue to support the company as an Executive Advisor.
Casey G. Cowell is a distinguished entrepreneur and business leader with a proven track record of driving technological innovation and growth. A graduate of the University of Chicago with an A.B. degree in Economics in 1975, Cowell co-founded U.S. Robotics, Inc. in 1976 at the age of 23. Under his leadership as Chairman and CEO, U.S. Robotics evolved from a $200 start-up into the world’s largest manufacturer of modems and related products connecting computers to the global telephone network. The company’s revenues surged from $50 million in 1990 to $2.5 billion in 1997, culminating in a successful merger with 3Com Corporation.
“John Williams has been an exceptional leader whose vision and dedication have significantly shaped ATLAS’s strategic direction,” said Cowell. “We are grateful for his contributions and pleased that he will continue to offer his expertise as an Executive Advisor. I look forward to building upon the solid foundation he has established.”
John E. Williams commented, “My tenure at ATLAS has been immensely rewarding, and while stepping down as CEO was a difficult decision, it is the right choice for me to focus on my health. I am confident in the company’s trajectory and am committed to supporting ATLAS in my new role as Executive Advisor to ensure its continued success.”
“This is an exciting time for ATLAS,” added Cowell. “The company is on a remarkable growth trajectory, with several new contract wins from both commercial and government customers. We are well-positioned to achieve significant revenue growth in 2025 and beyond.”
About ATLAS Space Operations, Inc.
ATLAS Space Operations is the leading provider of Ground Software as a Service™ in the space communications industry. The company’s revolutionary Freedom® software has been recognized by industry-leading publications and organizations such as Via Satellite and CIO Review. ATLAS was named Space Tech Company of the Year (2024) by Aerospace & Defense Review and acknowledged as one of the Top Satellite Solutions Providers in 2023 and 2024. Additionally, CIO Review: Telecom Edition highlighted ATLAS as Company of the Year (2023) and one of the 10 Most Promising Technologies. By combining the Freedom® Software Platform with its federated global antenna network, ATLAS secures space access anytime, anywhere. To learn more, visit atlasspace.com.
Media Contact:
Norman Lee
VP of Marketing and Communications
norman.lee@atlasspace.com
The space industry faces a critical issue where ground software engineering contracts are often awarded to companies lacking the necessary expertise in ground systems. This misallocation results in poorly designed systems and high maintenance costs. To resolve this, ground systems must be recognized as essential infrastructure, demanding dedicated expertise and a clean architectural approach.
Finnish NewSpace company NorthBase and ATLAS Space Operations have partnered to enhance satellite ground station services in Finnish Lapland. The new NorthBase Muonio site joins the ATLAS Freedom network, improving global antenna access and providing significant coverage capabilities, especially with the 3.9 meter S/X band antenna in a secure location.
ATLAS Space Operations, a leading GSaaS provider for satellite communications, is to be acquired by York Space Systems, marking a significant milestone for its founders and investors. The acquisition, pending FCC approval, aims to enhance growth, job creation, and innovation within the Traverse City community while maintaining ATLAS’s operations and brand.
York Space Systems, a defense technology company transforming how the United States builds and operates space-based capabilities, today announced that its parent company has agreed to acquire ATLAS Space Operations, a pioneer in Ground Software as a Service (GSaaS) for satellite communications. The move brings York a powerful, software-led ground architecture that simplifies operations, removes integration barriers, and enhances space-to-ground resilience—accelerating York’s ability to deliver secure, mission-ready space systems at unmatched speed and value.
