Rocket Lab has agreed to acquire Iridium Communications in an $8 billion deal, giving the space company a global satellite communications network and accelerating its expansion beyond launch services. The acquisition marks a major step in its ambition to become a fully integrated space business.
The deal positions Rocket Lab to combine rockets, satellites and telecommunications services in a vertically integrated model similar to SpaceX and its Starlink business.
Rocket Lab founder and chief executive Peter Beck said the acquisition gives the company immediate access to Iridium's profitable business, satellite spectrum and established customer base.
Founded by Motorola in the late 1980s, Iridium operates one of the world's oldest low Earth orbit satellite communications networks, serving government, aviation, maritime and industrial customers.
The company has more than 2.5 million subscribers across defence, commercial and public sector markets.
Rocket Lab said the acquisition would strengthen Iridium's Direct-to-Device business and support the development of new space-based services, while also advancing its broader ambitions to deploy its own satellite constellations.
A key part of that strategy is Neutron, Rocket Lab's reusable medium-lift rocket, which is expected to make its first flight in the fourth quarter of 2026.
The transaction comes amid growing investor interest in the space industry, driven in part by recent momentum around SpaceX and rising demand for satellite connectivity.
Iridium shareholders will receive $27 in cash and Rocket Lab shares worth a combined $54 per share, representing a 24.1% premium to Iridium's last closing price.
Rocket Lab shares rose 10% following the announcement, while Iridium shares gained 22%.
Rocket Lab said it has secured a $3.6 billion bridge loan from Deutsche Bank and Wells Fargo to finance part of the acquisition. The deal is expected to close in mid-2027.
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