Rocket Lab continues buying spree by acquiring satellite company Iridium

In Brief

8:02 AM PDT · June 29, 2026

Launch company Rocket Lab is buying satellite operator Iridium, putting it in a position to become a more full-fledged space services company, and continuing a wave of consolidation in the industry.

The deal, which hasn’t yet closed, will see Rocket Lab acquire Iridium’s stock for $54 per share, valuing the satellite company at $8 billion.

This is one of several acquisitions for Rocket Lab this year. The company previously bought space robotics company Motiv in May, acquired laser communications provider Mynaric in April, and purchased a precision component manufacturer in February. It also bought optical sensor defense contractor Geost 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 releaseMonday that it plans to “build upon” Iridium’s existing network in order to...

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