Raytheon Technologies and its Raytheon Intelligence & Space group in Arlington, VA is acquiring satellite technologies specialist Blue Canyon Technologies, based in Boulder, CO. Blue Canyon Technologies, a privately held company, has been a developer and supplier of small satellite systems (see figure) and related equipment mostly for commercial customers, although defense-related sales have been growing rapidly. The company has more than 90 satellites in production for the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), NASA, and the U.S. Air Force. In July, Blue Canyon Technologies earned a DARPA contract worth $14.1 million to produce four satellite buses for the Blackjack program; the contract has options for as many as 20 satellites and a value of as much as $99.4 million.
The deal between Raytheon and Blue Canyon Technologies is expected to close sometime in early 2021. Roy Azevedo, president of Raytheon Intelligence & Space, explained: “The space market is rapidly expanding, and our customers need comprehensive solutions faster than ever before. What makes Blue Canyon Technologies the right fit for our business is its agile, innovative culture and expertise in small satellite systems and technologies.” Blue Canyon Technologies, with more than 200 employees, was founded in 2008.