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Rocket Lab to Buy Iridium for $8 Billion in All-Stock Deal
Rocket Lab announced plans on June 29 to buy Iridium at $54 per share. The transaction values the satellite operator at $8 billion and remains subject to closing.
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Rocket Lab announced on June 29 that it will acquire Iridium for $54 per share, a transaction that values the satellite operator at $8 billion. The deal has not yet closed. Rocket Lab said in a press release that it plans to build upon Iridium’s existing network to scale into untapped markets and pioneer new space-based services.
Iridium operates dozens of satellites currently in orbit and owns a bundle of valuable spectrum. The acquisition continues Rocket Lab’s expansion through purchases. The company bought space robotics firm Motiv in May 2026, laser communications provider Mynaric in April 2026, a precision component manufacturer in February 2026, and optical sensor defense contractor Geost in 2025.
The move occurs amid broader consolidation in the satellite sector. Viasat acquired Inmarsat, a private equity firm purchased Maxar in 2023, Lockheed Martin bought Terran Orbital in 2024, and Amazon acquired Globalstar for $11.6 billion in April 2026.
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How sources framed this
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Strategic industry consolidationAggressive acquisition spree
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ConsolidationSpree
CorroborationLimited · 2 sources
