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Rocket Lab to acquire Iridium for $8 billion

PUBLIC · RKLBJun 29, 2026•about 2 months ago

Acquiring Company

Rocket Lab

Acquired Company

Iridium Communications

Long Beach

McleanManufacturingScience And EngineeringPrivacy And SecuritySecurityAerospaceSatellite CommunicationAviation & AerospaceHardwareSecurityCommunitiesSatellite CommunicationWireless

Description

Rocket Lab will acquire Iridium in a landmark deal valued at approximately $8.0 billion, offering $54 per share. This acquisition combines Rocket Lab's launch and satellite manufacturing prowess with Iridium's global satellite communications network. The merger aims to enhance capabilities in both satellite applications and critical communications. The move positions both companies for significant growth and innovation in the space sector.

Company Information

Company

Rocket Lab

Location

3881 McGowen St

Long Beach, California, United States

About

Founded in 2006, Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company with an established track record of mission success. We deliver reliable launch services, spacecraft components, satellites and other spacecraft and on-orbit management solutions that make it faster, easier and more affordable to access space. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures the Electron small orbital launch vehicle and the Photon satellite platform and is developing the Neutron 8-ton payload class launch vehicle. Since its first orbital launch in January 2018, Rocket Lab’s Electron launch vehicle has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered 109 satellites to orbit for private and public sector organizations, enabling operations in national security, scientific research, space debris mitigation, Earth observation, climate monitoring, and communications. Rocket Lab’s Photon spacecraft platform has been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as the first private commercial mission to Venus. Rocket Lab has three launch pads at two launch sites, including two launch pads at a private orbital launch site located in New Zealand, one of which is currently operational, and a second launch site in Virginia, USA which is expected to become operational in early 2022. To learn more, visit www.rocketlabusa.com.

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Integration timeline

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Frequently asked

Who acquired Iridium Communications?

Iridium Communications was acquired by Rocket Lab, based in Long Beach. The deal was reported on June 29, 2026. Founded in 2006, Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company with an established track record of mission success. Rocket Lab is publicly traded (RKLB) and operates in Manufacturing.

When did Rocket Lab acquire Iridium Communications?

Rocket Lab's acquisition of Iridium Communications was reported on June 29, 2026. Rocket Lab will acquire Iridium in a landmark deal valued at approximately $8.0 billion, offering $54 per share. This acquisition combines Rocket Lab's launch and satellite manufacturing prowess with Iridium's global satellite communications network. Fundz records the date the transaction was first publicly reported, sourced from filings and company announcements.

What does Iridium Communications do?

Iridium® is the only mobile voice and data satellite communications network that spans the entire globe. Iridium enables connections between people, organizations and assets to and from anywhere, in real time. It is publicly traded (IRDM), operating in Hardware, and is based in Mclean.