launch company rocket lab satellite operator is buying iridiumPositioning it to become a more complete space services company, and continuing the wave of consolidation in the industry.
The deal, which has not yet closed, will see Rocket Lab acquire Iridium’s stock for $54 a share, valuing the satellite company at $8 billion.
This is one of Rocket Lab’s many acquisitions this year. company first bought Space robotics company Motive in May, acquired laser communications provider Mynarik in April, and purchased a precision component manufacturer in February. also bought this Optical Sensor Defense Contractor Geist last year.
Iridium not only operates dozens of satellites currently in orbit, but it also owns a bundle of valuable spectrum. Rocket Lab said in a Press release On Monday it planned to “build on” Iridium’s existing network to “expand into untapped markets and pioneer new space-based services for the benefit of global customers.”
Rocket Lab’s announcement comes after years of consolidation between space and satellite companies, including Viasat’s acquisition of Inmarsat and a private equity firm buying Maxar in 2023 and Lockheed Martin. purchase Satellite manufacturer Terran Orbital in 2024. In April 2026, Amazon – which is building a space-based internet competitor to SpaceX’s Starlink – bought satellite company Globalstar for $11.6 billion.
