Rocket Lab to Acquire Iridium for $8 Billion
Rocket Lab has announced that it has agreed to acquire satellite communications operator Iridium in a deal valued at approximately $8 billion, with the aim of creating one of the most vertically integrated companies in the global space sector.
The transaction, which has been approved by both companies' boards, is expected to close in mid-2027 subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals.
The acquisition will combine Rocket Lab's launch services, spacecraft manufacturing and space systems businesses with Iridium's global satellite communications network, L-band spectrum assets and subscriber base of more than 2.5 million users.
For Rocket Lab, the deal represents a major strategic shift beyond launch and satellite manufacturing into the satellite services market. The company gains immediate access to recurring communications revenues, as well as established positions in government, defence, aviation, maritime and industrial sectors.
Iridium brings a unique set of assets to the combined business, including its global constellation of 66 cross-linked LEO satellites and globally harmonised L-band spectrum. The network supports a range of services spanning voice, data, IoT, positioning, navigation and timing (PNT), as well as the company's emerging standards-based NTN Direct offering.
The transaction also positions Rocket Lab to play a larger role in the growing convergence between terrestrial and satellite communications. In addition to expanding Iridium's traditional markets, the company highlighted future opportunities in direct-to-device connectivity, resilient PNT services and national security applications.