Rocket Lab Acquires Iridium for $13 Billion, Challenging SpaceX
The acquisition transforms Rocket Lab from a small-launch provider into a vertically integrated space communications operator, positioning it as a direct competitor to SpaceX in the satellite services market.
Key Facts
- Rocket Lab agreed to acquire Iridium Communications for about $13 billion, including debt, in a deal announced June 29, 2026.
- The acquisition gives Rocket Lab Iridium's 66-satellite low Earth orbit constellation and L-band spectrum, serving over 2.5 million subscribers.
- Rocket Lab will pay $54 per share for Iridium's stock, valuing the equity at roughly $8 billion.
- The combined company will design, build, launch, and operate its own satellites, offering IoT, device-to-device, positioning, and life-critical services.
- Rocket Lab said the deal creates a vertically integrated space company that can compete with SpaceX in the satellite communications market.
Reporting from 1 source: GIGAZINE.
Rocket Lab announced a definitive agreement to acquire satellite communications provider Iridium Communications for approximately $13 billion, including debt. The deal values Iridium at $8 billion in equity. Rocket Lab aims to create a vertically integrated space company combining its launch and satellite manufacturing with Iridium's 66-satellite constellation and L-band spectrum, serving over 2.5 million subscribers.
Rocket Lab, best known for its 3D-printed Electron small rocket, is buying Iridium Communications in a deal valued at roughly $13 billion including debt. The agreement, announced June 29, 2026, gives Rocket Lab Iridium's constellation of 66 low Earth orbit satellites and its L-band frequency spectrum, which connects ships, aircraft, and remote areas. Rocket Lab will pay $54 per share for Iridium's outstanding stock, putting the equity value at about $8 billion. The combined company will design, build, launch, and operate its own satellites, offering IoT, device-to-device, positioning, and life-critical services. Rocket Lab called the acquisition 'one of the most innovative deals in the space industry' and said it will create a vertically integrated player that can challenge SpaceX in the global communications market.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 1 cited source below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.