Auria, a company specializing in command, control, and communications (C3) software for space and missile operations, has acquired RKF Engineering Solutions and Kythera Space Solutions. The announcement was made on January 20, 2026.
RKF Engineering Solutions, founded in 2002 and based in Bethesda, Maryland, provides satellite communications engineering and spectrum management services to the U.S. Space Force as well as other federal and commercial clients. The company supports connectivity and management of both satellite and terrestrial networks.
Kythera Space Solutions, established in 2018 and also headquartered in Bethesda, develops proprietary software focused on autonomous management of next-generation software-defined satellite payloads. Its Kythera Operating System is used by operators to manage in-orbit SATCOM and spectrum resources for public and private space networks.
By acquiring these two companies, Auria will broaden its technical capabilities in SATCOM engineering while expanding its range of software products. This move aims to help Auria provide comprehensive solutions covering the entire C3 lifecycle—from managing space assets and payloads to ground systems.
“The acquisitions of RKF and Kythera enhance Auria’s SATCOM engineering expertise and add advanced software capabilities critical to modern space-based communications and space operations,” said Thomas Young, Partner at Enlightenment Capital. “We are thrilled to welcome the RKF and Kythera teams to Auria. With these acquisitions, we are well positioned to continue delivering secure, resilient space operations solutions in support of key national security missions.”
“Auria has been partnered with RKF and Kythera for several years in support of the Space Force. These acquisitions expand Auria’s capabilities in design, integration, and operations of enterprise-level satellite communications systems,” said Damian DiPippa, CEO of Auria. “Their teams deepen our engineering and software capabilities across enterprise SATCOM and payload management, enabling Auria to deliver more resilient, integrated solutions for our government customers’ most critical and complex space missions.”
Auria is headquartered in Colorado Springs with additional offices across several U.S. cities including Boulder; Washington DC; Huntsville; Albuquerque; Ogden; and San Diego. The company provides development, integration, and deployment services supporting a range of defense-related applications such as Space Operations, Domain Awareness, Satellite Communications (SATCOM), and Missile Defense.
Enlightenment Capital is a private investment firm based near Washington DC that focuses on investments within aerospace, defense, government technology sectors. It works with businesses involved in infrastructure protection, cyber innovation, aerospace engineering among others.
