Rocket Lab to acquire Iridium in $8 B deal

Rocket Lab announced a definitive agreement to acquire Iridium Communications in a cash‑and‑stock transaction valued at roughly $8 billion, pricing Iridium shares at $54 each. The acquisition combines Rocket Lab’s launch services and satellite manufacturing with Iridium’s global L‑band satellite communications network, which serves more than 2.5 million subscribers and operates 66 low‑Earth‑orbit satellites. The deal, approved by both boards, is expected to close in mid‑2027 pending shareholder and regulatory approvals. Analysts note that the transaction creates a vertically integrated space company capable of designing, building, launching, and operating its own constellations, and they have upgraded Rocket Lab’s stock rating on the basis of the strategic fit and projected revenue growth.