Anchorage, Alaska, February 2, 2021 — Today, Quintillion Networks and ATLAS Space Operations completed construction of the highest-latitude satellite ground station on US soil. This accomplishment is a significant step forward in the quest to close a critical gap in US security capabilities and provide ground station operations and downlink facilities for polar orbiting satellites. The ground station is now live and ready to serve existing and future commercial and government entities.
The new Quintillion-ATLAS ground station is located at 72 degrees latitude in Utqiagvik, Alaska, on the coast of the Arctic Ocean. The 3.7-meter antenna supports S and X band transmission and expects to see up to 12 satellite passes daily. Offering both occasional use and ground station as a service arrangements, the partnership provides a turnkey solution for satellite operators. The ground station at Utqiagvik will not only serve as a crucial crossroad between space and terrestrial communications; it represents one landing point on Quintillion’s broader network map, which it is developing as the foundation for American economic and security advancement in the Arctic.
Speaking on the importance of the new ground station, ATLAS CEO Sean McDaniel noted, “The most crucial aspect of this new site is its geographic advantage. Being the northernmost ground station in North America creates many new opportunities for satellites in polar orbit, which will now have as many as 12 contacts per day.” McDaniel added, “This is a key development for ATLAS and Quintillion in the Arctic. As a result of the initial installation and demand for its use, there is potential for an expansive teleport that aids in real-world applications through multiple antennas and across multiple bands.”
Leveraging both ATLAS Space Operations’ patented Freedom™ platform and Quintillion’s fiber optic network to enable data transmission between major internet exchanges and cloud access providers, the ground station is expanding the possibilities of satellite operations and closing a gap in national security capabilities.
“Satellite communications are integral to 21st century life. Navigation, weather and climate monitoring, search and rescue missions, national security, personal and commercial communications, and much more are made possible with satellites. Connecting satellite communications to land-based fiber optic transport networks is a force multiplier!” says Mac McHale, Chief Revenue Officer of Quintillion. “We are thrilled to bring these capabilities to US soil and increase our commitment and investment in our home state of Alaska,” Mac continues.
Given that over 60% of satellites currently in orbit are US owned, American companies and government entities should not have to go beyond the sanctity of their own borders to download, store, and transport sensitive data. Now, they have a choice.
For more details on this new opportunity please visit: https://qexpressnet.com/arcticgroundstation/
About Quintillion:
Quintillion is a private global communications corporation located in Anchorage, AK. Quintillion built and operates a submarine and terrestrial high-speed fiber optic cable system serving residential, commercial and federal government clients that spans the Alaskan Arctic and connects to the lower-48 using existing networks. The three-phase Quintillion subsea cable system will ultimately connect Asia to the North American Pacific Northwest, and to Western Europe via the Northwest Passage through the Alaskan and Canadian Arctic. For more information on Quintillion, visit http://www.qexpressnet.com, or call 1.800.673.4394.
About ATLAS Space Operations:
ATLAS Space Operations is the fastest-growing teleport operator in the world according to the World Teleport Association’s Fast 10, and was recognized as the 15th fastest-growing software company on the Inc. 5000. ATLAS’ Freedom™ offers a secure, cloud-based platform for global communications that drive critical decisions on Earth. Our ground network and software provide a revolutionary approach that connects humanity through space. For more information visit atlasspace.com.
Media Contact:
Stephen Finan
(410) 841-4992
stephen.finan1@kglobal.com
Dan Carey
(231) 598-6184 ext 105
dcarey@atlasspace.com
The Port Administration of American Samoa will host advanced satellite tracking antennas for ATLAS Space Operations, enhancing satellite ground-station services in the South Pacific. This partnership supports NOAA and military clients, improves real-time data coverage, and contributes to local infrastructure funding. Construction began on March 2, 2026.
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.
