Rocket Lab Expands Space Business with $8 Billion Iridium Acquisition

Rocket Lab is continuing its aggressive expansion strategy by acquiring satellite communications company Iridium. This move positions the launch provider to become a more comprehensive space services business while reflecting the ongoing wave of consolidation across the space industry.

The transaction, which has not yet been completed, values Iridium at approximately $8 billion. Under the agreement, Rocket Lab will acquire the satellite company’s shares for $54 per share.

The planned purchase adds to a growing list of acquisitions Rocket Lab has completed this year. In May, the company acquired space robotics specialist Motiv. It followed that move by purchasing laser communications company Mynaric in April and a precision component manufacturer in February. Last year, Rocket Lab also acquired optical sensor and defence contractor Geost.

Beyond operating a large constellation of satellites currently in orbit, Iridium also controls a significant portfolio of valuable radio spectrum assets. In a press release issued on Monday, Rocket Lab said it intends to build upon Iridium’s existing satellite network to expand into new market opportunities and develop additional space-based services for customers worldwide.

The latest acquisition comes after several years of consolidation throughout the satellite and space technology sectors. Recent examples include Viasat’s acquisition of Inmarsat, a private equity firm’s 2023 purchase of Maxar, and Lockheed Martin’s 2024 acquisition of satellite manufacturer Terran Orbital. More recently, in April 2026, Amazon acquired satellite communications company Globalstar for $11.6 billion as part of its efforts to build a space-based internet network to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink service.