Rocket Lab targets 2027 profitability following Iridium deal and iQPS launch contract

Rocket Lab announced it will acquire satellite operator Iridium, with the transaction expected to close in mid‑2027. Analysts cited by S&P Global Market Intelligence project that the combined company’s GAAP losses could shrink to about $24 million and generate positive free cash flow of roughly $425 million by that year, turning the formerly cash‑burning space firm profitable.

On the same day the company’s shares jumped 8‑9% after it disclosed a new multi‑launch agreement with Japan’s iQPS. The deal covers three Electron launches, marking the third such order from iQPS in the past year and reinforcing Rocket Lab’s position as a preferred small‑satellite launch provider. The contract, together with broader market optimism, helped erase losses from the previous session and boosted investor confidence in the company’s commercial momentum.