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.
U.S. efforts to squeeze Iran’s economy through an oil blockade and sanctions are becoming increasingly difficult for Tehran to withstand, acc...
U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will visit Russia then Ukraine over the weekend, Russian state news agency TASS has reported, citi...
The 83rd Venice Film Festival has opened on the Lido, bringing Hollywood stars and leading filmmakers together for a programme dominated by war, po...
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that he thinks there is a chance of a peace being reached with Ukraine. He told the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia that he believed there was "a chance of finding a solution," to the conflict.
The Iranian Health Ministry said at least 18 people were killed and 142 others injured in U.S. airstrikes carried out between 30 August and 2 September.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 3rd of September, covering the latest developments.
U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will visit Russia then Ukraine over the weekend, Russian state news agency TASS has reported, citing an unnamed source. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also said American envoys will visit the capitals of both countries.
Thousands of residents of Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta took to the streets on Wednesday to protest the government’s handling of a migration crisis that followed a deadly border surge in July.
Volkswagen’s supervisory board has approved a major overhaul aimed at cutting 100,000 jobs by 2030 as the German carmaker battles weaker sales, falling profits and intensifying global competition.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called on American companies to expand their presence in China and pledged that Beijing would address their "reasonable concerns," as China looks to stabilise trade ties with Washington ahead of President Xi Jinping's planned visit to the U.S. later this month
Apple is entering a new era as Tim Cook steps down as chief executive after 15 years at the helm, handing the technology giant's leadership to longtime executive John Ternus.
Volkswagen is heading towards a decisive showdown with labour representatives as Germany's largest carmaker weighs sweeping restructuring measures that could lead to factory closures and tens of thousands of job losses.
Online fast-fashion retailer Shein is seeking to raise up to $1.77 billion in a Hong Kong IPO after its valuation fell around 70 per cent from its private-market peak four years ago.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment