Rocket Lab has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Iridium Communications in a cash-and-stock transaction valued at approximately $8 billion [1]. The acquisition is expected to be completed in mid-2027, subject to customary closing conditions, including approval of Iridium stockholders and required regulatory approvals. The combined company will create a fully vertically integrated space and communications platform, uniting Rocket Lab's launch and satellite manufacturing capabilities with Iridium's global L-band constellation, spectrum rights, and over 2.55 million active subscribers [2]. The acquisition is expected to accelerate innovation and position the combined company to support the development and deployment of Iridium's next-generation constellation, including direct-to-device services [3].

Rocket Lab's CEO, Sir Peter Beck, stated that the acquisition is a defining moment for the space industry and will unlock critical space applications [4]. Iridium's CEO, Matt Desch, noted that the acquisition will enable the company to accelerate the next generation of IoT, aviation, maritime, PNT, and national security capabilities [5]. The acquisition has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of Iridium and Rocket Lab, and each director of Iridium holding shares of Iridium common stock has entered into a voting agreement to support the transaction [6]. The deal is expected to provide Rocket Lab with immediate access to a proven constellation of LEO satellites and an established global communications customer base, realizing the company's long-term strategic vision to expand beyond launch services and spacecraft manufacturing into a vertically-integrated space applications company with recurring revenue from satellite services [7].

Sources

  1. Rocket Lab Corporation. (2026). Rocket Lab to Acquire Iridium in Historic Deal, Creating A Fully Vertically Integrated Space Powerhouse Primed for Growth. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/06/29/2455421/0/en/Rocket-Lab-to-Acquire-Iridium-in-Historic-Deal-Creating-A-Fully-Vertically-Integrated-Space-Powerhouse-Primed-for-Growth.html
  2. SpaceNews. (2026). Rocket Lab to acquire Iridium - SpaceNews. https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-to-acquire-iridium/
  3. Yahoo Finance. (2026). Rocket Lab acquires Iridium in $8 billion satellite deal. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/rocket-lab-acquires-iridium-8-123239082.html
  4. CNBC. (2026). Rocket Lab pops 9%, Iridium soars 20% on $8 billion space consolidation deal. https://www.cnbc.com/2026/06/29/rocket-lab-buys-iridium.html
  5. StockTitan. (2026). Rocket Lab (Nasdaq: RKLB) to acquire Iridium in $8B space merger. https://www.stocktitan.net/sec-filings/RKLB/8-k-rocket-lab-corp-reports-material-event-45990394fdac.html
  6. Rocket Lab Corporation. (2026). Investor Presentation. https://investors.rocketlabcorp.com/
  7. Iridium Communications Inc. (2026). Iridium Communications Inc. https://www.iridium.com/