T2S Solutions, a founder-led, mission-driven provider of advanced technologies supporting U.S. defense, intelligence, and national security missions, announced the acquisition of Blue Marble Communications, a founder-led provider of space-qualified communications and computing technologies. Blue Marble has established itself as a critical player in the sector as demand increases for high-performance satellite and spaceflight technologies. 

The company’s portfolio – including onboard processors, optical terminals, network routers, RF modems and transceivers, and edge processors – supports the next generation of satellite constellations, enabling more resilient and efficient data processing in space; all of which are in high demand from clients operating in U.S. National Security and global Commercial Space markets.

With this acquisition, T2S, backed by Madison Dearborn Partners (MDP), a leading private equity investment firm based in Chicago, advances its strategy to build a differentiated provider of mission-critical technologies at scale. Together, T2S and Blue Marble will serve the growing space sector while expanding capabilities in Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2), Positioning, Navigation & Timing (PNT), Cybersecurity, and Lunar, addressing key needs in both government and commercial markets.

Expanding Blue Marble’s Resources, Scale, and Innovation

For Blue Marble, this partnership provides the opportunity to build on its success through additional resources, expanding production capacity, and increasing investment in research and development. With T2S and MDP’s support, the company will enhance its ability to scale manufacturing, accelerate product development, and deliver complete payload solutions to its customers.

“In T2S and MDP we found the ideal partners that understand both our technology and our mission,” said Neal Nicholson, Founder and CEO of Blue Marble. “This announcement is a testament to all our incredible Blue Marble team has accomplished. We have produced industry-leading, high-performance solutions, bringing outsized value to government and commercial customers. Now, with additional investment and infrastructure, we look forward to bringing even more capabilities to our customers at a greater scale and ultimately strengthen our ability to develop and evolve technology that promotes a global community.”

Founded in 2017 and located in San Diego, CA, Blue Marble brings meaningful expertise in designing and manufacturing high-performance, cost-effective, scalable space-qualified high-speed data, RF, and optical communications systems. Blue Marble also has deep market penetration and a strong program pipeline with customers across the National Security Space sector alongside the International and Commercial LEO and MEO satellite markets. Blue Marble’s differentiated strengths align with the increasing demand for high-speed, secure data transfer and computing in both national security and commercial space markets. As organizations seek more interoperable and durable communications architectures, Blue Marble will benefit from the operational support and customer insight of T2S to continue delivering vital solutions for its global client base.

Advancing T2S’ Vision for a Next-Generation Security and Space Technology Provider

The addition of Blue Marble is a significant step in T2S’ strategy of expanding its presence as a market-leading provider of innovative solutions in space and other mission-critical domains. Following MDP’s strategic investment in T2S in November 2023, the company has been focused on broadening its technology offerings to support a wide range of critical defense and intelligence operations. These initiatives have led to sustained growth, including the tripling of the company’s EBITDA. This acquisition also builds on other recent strategic moves by T2S, including the acquisition of Flexitech Aerospace in 2024, further expanding its role in space-based technologies.

“Blue Marble brings a strong track record of innovation in space communications, and its products are highly relevant to the evolving needs of both government and commercial customers,” said Tim Gay, Co-Founder and CEO of T2S. “The company’s stellar reputation, strong company culture, and unique customer relationships make it an optimal partner as we continue to advance our vision to push the boundaries of space missions. We look forward to working with Blue Marble and MDP to help Blue Marble continue to scale its operations and bring even more advanced technologies to market. I also want to thank Matt Norton, Brandon Levitan and the rest of the MDP team for their amazing support and guidance over the past 18 months. This transaction and our execution on our growth-oriented investment thesis would not be possible without their partnership.”

Kroll Securities, LLC served as financial advisor to Blue Marble Communications and Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP provided legal counsel. Jefferies LLC served as financial advisor to T2S and Alston & Bird LLP and Crowell & Moring LLP provided legal counsel.

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