# Rocket Lab to Acquire Iridium in Historic Deal, Creating A Fully Vertically Integrated Space Powerhouse Primed for Growth

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/pr-news/rocket-lab-to-acquire-iridium-in-historic-deal-creating-a-fully-vertically-integrated-space-powerhouse-primed-for-growth
- Published: 2026-06-29T18:00:00+07:00
- Author: PR Newswire

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_Unites Rocket Lab’s leading launch and satellite manufacturing capabilities with
Iridium’s global network, spectrum, and experience__ to __unlock critical space 
applications._

_Adds material revenue scale and is significantly accretive to Rocket Lab’s cash
flow generation and profitability._

LONG BEACH, Calif. and MCLEAN, Va., June 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — [Rocket Lab Corporation](https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4721410-1&h=623798106&u=https%3A%2F%2Frocketlabcorp.com%2F&a=Rocket+Lab+Corporation)(
Nasdaq: RKLB) ("Rocket Lab"), a global leader in launch and space systems and [Iridium Communications Inc.](https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4721410-1&h=2776024754&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iridium.com%2F&a=Iridium+Communications+Inc.)(
Nasdaq: IRDM) ("Iridium"), a leading provider of global voice, data, and positioning,
navigation, and timing (PNT) satellite services, today announced they have entered
into a definitive agreement under which Rocket Lab will acquire Iridium. Rocket 
Lab will acquire all the outstanding shares of Iridium common stock for $54 per 
share in a cash and stock transaction. This represents an enterprise value for Iridium
of approximately $8.0 billion.

 [⌊The acquisition will be one of the most transformative deals in the space industry.⌉](https://mmx.prnasia.com/media/MS1874492/Rocket_Lab_and_Iridium.jpg?id=OA2743333&p=medium600)

The acquisition will be one of the most transformative deals in the space industry.

The acquisition will be one of the most transformative deals in the space industry,
joining together two innovative American companies to play a leading role in the
U.S. space economy. It merges Rocket Lab’s leading launch capabilities and satellite
manufacturing with [Iridium’s global satellite communications network](https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4721410-1&h=4270385453&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iridium.com%2Fnetwork&a=Iridium%27s+global+satellite+communications+network),
spectrum, and 500-plus strong partner ecosystem to create a competitive, vertically-
integrated space company that designs, builds, launches, and operates its own constellations,
delivering critical communications capability to millions of users worldwide.

The transaction will give Rocket Lab an immediate foothold in space-based applications,
including both proprietary and standards-based satellite [Internet of Things (IoT)](https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4721410-1&h=3024271328&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iridium.com%2Fservices%2Fdata-messaging&a=Internet+of+Things+(IoT))
and [direct-to-device (D2D)](https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4721410-1&h=2451104105&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iridium.com%2Fservices%2Firidium-ntn-direct&a=direct-to-device+(D2D)),
[PNT](https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4721410-1&h=3654365107&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iridium.com%2Firidium-pnt&a=PNT),
and [critical safety-of-life services](https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4721410-1&h=876399896&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iridium.com%2Fservices%2Fsafety-security&a=critical+safety-of-life+services),
creating a formidable challenger in the global telecom market. Rather than simply
continuing the Iridium network, Rocket Lab will build upon it to scale into untapped
markets and pioneer new space-based services to the benefit of global customers.

Iridium’s globally harmonized L-band spectrum and low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite
network provide a secure, resilient foundation for reliable satellite communications
and PNT services across government, defense, aviation, maritime, and commercial 
markets. Supporting more than 2.55 million active subscribers worldwide, Iridium
delivers highly reliable, weather-resilient connectivity and an alternative PNT 
architecture for applications where Global Positioning Systema (GPS) and other Global
Navigation Satellite Systema (GNSS) are degraded or unavailable. Combining Rocket
Lab’s launch, spacecraft manufacturing, and space systems expertise with Iridium’s
global network and L-band spectrum will accelerate innovation, positioning the combined
company to support the development and deployment of Iridium’s next-generation constellation.
This includes direct-to-device (D2D/Iridium NTN Direct^(SM)) services, which will
grow into an important new capability for U.S. national security and emergency response,
helping to ensure reliable, resilient communications when and where they are needed
most, particularly where traditional networks are unavailable or compromised.

"This is a defining moment for the space industry and the start of a new era of 
strategic, accelerated growth for Rocket Lab and Iridium," said Sir Peter Beck, 
founder and CEO of Rocket Lab. "Iridium has built the gold standard in secure, safety
critical global satellite connectivity. It is relied upon by maritime fleets, the
aviation industry, governments, and heavy industrial organizations who operate in
the most remote off-the-grid locations. By marrying Iridium’s deep heritage, trusted
infrastructure, and highly sought-after spectrum with Rocket Lab’s extensive and
proven launch and manufacturing capabilities, we have the capability to unlock entirely
new markets. We will go far beyond maintaining a legacy; we are going to build upon
it to pioneer next-generation space applications and deliver sought-after capabilities
to existing and new customers."

"As the worlds of space and terrestrial communications continue to converge, more
critical services will depend on space-based capabilities," said Matt Desch, CEO,
Iridium. "Success will come from those who can bring new innovations to space quickly
and sustain them over time as efficiently as possible. We’re excited about being
able to accelerate the next generation of IoT, aviation, maritime, PNT, and national
security capabilities, and pursue new innovative applications as part of Rocket 
Lab – a fully integrated, end-to-end space company. That’s an incredible opportunity
for our customers, partners, employees, and stockholders."

**Transaction Highlights: **

 ◦ **Strengthens Rocket Lab’s Strategic Vertical Integration: **Creates an end-to-
   end space company spanning launch, spacecraft, spectrum, and on-orbit communications
   services through a proprietary network. Expected to eliminate third-party launch
   costs for constellation deployment and replenishment and captures launch margin
   internally while guaranteeing orbital access as launch capacity tightens, ensuring
   continuity of service to customers.
 ◦ **Unlocks Entry to Space Applications Market: **Provides Rocket Lab with immediate
   access to a proven constellation of LEO satellites and an established global 
   communications customer base, realizing the company’s long-term strategic vision
   to expand beyond launch services and spacecraft manufacturing into a vertically-
   integrated space applications company with recurring revenue from satellite services.
 ◦ **Provides Access to Globally-Coordinated Spectrum:** Adds globally-coordinated
   L-band spectrum that enables reliable user communications.
 ◦ **Unifies Two Trusted Government Partners: **The transaction combines two deeply
   trusted, long-standing defense partners, combining their specialized strengths
   to deliver highly resilient, next-generation capabilities directly to the warfighter
   across denied, degraded, and disadvantaged environments.
 ◦ **Accelerates Growth and New Market Opportunities:** Positions the combined entity
   to deliver next-generation satellite communications, resilient PNT, and emerging
   defense and commercial space services.
 ◦ **Diversifies Financial Profile with Recurring Cash Flow Streams: **In 2025, 
   Iridium delivered $871.7M revenue^(1), $495M OEBITDA^(1) or 57% OEBITDA margin
   ^(1), providing substantial recurring cash flow to fund growth.

**Transaction DetailsUnder the terms of the transaction, Iridium stockholders will
receive $27.00 in cash and a number of shares of Rocket Lab common stock calculated
pursuant to an exchange ratio (subject to a collar) for each share of Iridium common
stock outstanding at the closing. The collar is banded from $67.50 to $112.50. The
transaction has a notional value of $54.00 per share of Iridium common stock, implying
an enterprise value for Iridium of approximately $8.0 billion.

Complete details on the calculation of the exchange ratio will be in the transaction
agreement, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The transaction is expected to be completed in mid-2027, subject to the satisfaction
of customary closing conditions, including approval of Iridium stockholders and 
required regulatory approvals.

The transaction has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of Iridium
and Rocket Lab. Moreover, each director of Iridium holding shares of Iridium common
stock has entered into a voting agreement to support the transaction.

As part of the transaction, Rocket Lab has received commitments for a $3.6 billion
364-day senior secured bridge term loan facility from Deutsche Bank and Wells Fargo.
Rocket Lab intends to fund the cash component of the transaction through a combination
of cash from its balance sheet and other debt and equity financing sources. 

**Advisors**

Deutsche Bank Securities is serving as lead financial advisor and Wells Fargo and
PJT Partners as financial advisors, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, P.C. is serving
as legal counsel, Goodwin Procter LLP as financing counsel and DLA Piper LLP as 
regulatory counsel to Rocket Lab. Evercore is serving as exclusive financial advisor,
Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP is serving as legal counsel, Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP
is serving as regulatory counsel, and Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher is 
serving as strategic communications advisor to Iridium.

**Investor PresentationAn investor presentation discussing the transaction is hosted
on Rocket Lab’s investor relations website at [https://investors.rocketlabcorp.com/](https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4721410-1&h=3265172785&u=https%3A%2F%2Finvestors.rocketlabcorp.com%2F&a=https%3A%2F%2Finvestors.rocketlabcorp.com%2F)

**Contacts**

**Rocket Lab:**

**Media Morgan Connaughton
[media@rocketlabusa.com](https://www.thailand-business-news.com/pr-news/media@rocketlabusa.com)

**Investor RelationsPatrick Vorenkamp
[investors@rocketlabusa.com](https://www.thailand-business-news.com/pr-news/investors@rocketlabusa.com)

**Iridium:**

**MediaJordan Hassin
[Jordan.Hassin@Iridium.com](https://www.thailand-business-news.com/pr-news/Jordan.Hassin@Iridium.com)
+1 (703) 287-7421

**Investor RelationsKenneth Levy
[Ken.Levy@Iridium.com](https://www.thailand-business-news.com/pr-news/Ken.Levy@Iridium.com)
+1 (703) 287-7570

**About Rocket LabRocket Lab is a leading space company that provides launch services,
spacecraft, payloads and satellite components serving commercial, government, and
national security markets. Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket is the world’s most frequently
launched orbital small rocket; its HASTE rocket provides hypersonic test launch 
capability for the U.S. government and allied nations; and its Neutron launch vehicle
in development will unlock medium launch for constellation deployment, national 
security and exploration missions. Rocket Lab’s spacecraft and satellite components
have enabled more than 1,700 missions spanning commercial, defense and national 
security missions including GPS, constellations, and exploration missions to the
Moon, Mars, and Venus. Rocket Lab is a publicly listed company on the Nasdaq stock
exchange (RKLB). Learn more at [www.rocketlabcorp.com](https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4721410-1&h=968691249&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rocketlabcorp.com%2F&a=www.rocketlabcorp.com).

**About Iridium Communications Inc.Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: IRDM) operates
the world’s only truly global mobile satellite network, delivering reliable voice,
data, and positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services anywhere on Earth. 
Iridium supports safety- and mission-critical operations for diverse markets such
as aviation, maritime, government, emergency services, critical infrastructure, 
autonomous systems, and remote monitoring applications, where connectivity is essential.

Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, Iridium provides its products and services through
an ecosystem of 500-plus partner companies around the world. For more information,
visit [www.iridium.com](https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4721410-1&h=85327077&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iridium.com%2F&a=www.iridium.com).

**Additional Information and Where to Find It**

This communication is being made in respect of a proposed transaction involving 
Rocket Lab Corporation ("Rocket Lab") and Iridium Communications Inc. ("Iridium").
In connection with the proposed transaction, Rocket Lab will file with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") a Registration Statement on Form S-4 that includes
the proxy statement of Iridium that will also constitute a prospectus of Rocket 
Lab.  When the proxy statement/prospectus is finalized, it will be sent to the stockholders
of Iridium seeking their approval of certain transaction-related proposals. This
communication is not a substitute for the proxy statement/prospectus or any other
documents which Rocket Lab or Iridium may file with the SEC in connection with the
proposed transaction.

Rocket Lab may not sell the common stock referenced in the proxy statement/prospectus
until the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the SEC becomes effective.
The preliminary proxy statement/prospectus and this communication are not offers
to sell any securities, are not soliciting an offer to buy any securities in any
state where the offer and sale is not permitted and are not a solicitation of any
vote or approval.

ROCKET LAB AND IRIDIUM URGE INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS TO READ THE REGISTRATION
STATEMENT ON FORM S-4, THE RELATED PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS INCLUDED THEREIN AND
OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME
AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION.

Investors and security holders will be able to obtain these materials (when they
are available and filed) free of charge at the SEC’s website, [www.sec.gov](https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4721410-1&h=3879184259&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sec.gov%2F&a=www.sec.gov).
Copies of documents filed with the SEC by Rocket Lab (when they become available)
may be obtained free of charge on Rocket Lab’s website at [https://investors.rocketlabcorp.com/financial-information/sec-filings](https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4721410-1&h=3455672366&u=https%3A%2F%2Finvestors.rocketlabcorp.com%2Ffinancial-information%2Fsec-filings&a=https%3A%2F%2Finvestors.rocketlabcorp.com%2Ffinancial-information%2Fsec-filings)
or by contacting Rocket Lab’s Investor Relations Department at [investors@rocketlabusa.com](https://www.thailand-business-news.com/pr-news/investors@rocketlabusa.com).
Copies of documents filed with the SEC by Iridium (when they become available) may
be obtained free of charge on Iridium’s website at [https://investor.iridium.com/sec-filings](https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4721410-1&h=526284590&u=https%3A%2F%2Finvestor.iridium.com%2Fsec-filings&a=https%3A%2F%2Finvestor.iridium.com%2Fsec-filings)
by contacting Iridium’s Investor Relations Department at [investor.relations@iridium.com](https://www.thailand-business-news.com/pr-news/investor.relations@iridium.com).

**Participants in the Solicitation**

Robert H. Niehaus, Louis M. Alterman, Thomas C. Canfield, Matthew J. Desch, Thomas
J. Fitzpatrick, L. Anthony Frazier, Suzanne E. McBride, Eric T. Olson, Kay N. Sears,
Monique S. Shivanandan and Jacqueline E. Yeaney, all of whom are members of Iridium’s
board of directors, and Vincent J. O’Neill, Iridium’s chief financial officer, may
be considered participants in Iridium’s solicitation. Information regarding such
participants, including their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings
or otherwise, will be included in the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant
documents to be filed with the SEC in connection with the transaction. Additional
information about such participants is available under the captions "Proposal 1 –
Election of Directors," "Director Compensation" and "Security Ownership of Certain
Beneficial Owners and Management" in Iridium’s definitive proxy statement in connection
with its 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "2026 Proxy Statement"), which
was filed with the SEC on April 2, 2026 (which is available at [https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0001418819/000141881926000022/irdm-20260402.htm](https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4721410-1&h=4075807774&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sec.gov%2Fix%3Fdoc%3D%2FArchives%2Fedgar%2Fdata%2F0001418819%2F000141881926000022%2Firdm-20260402.htm&a=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sec.gov%2Fix%3Fdoc%3D%2FArchives%2Fedgar%2Fdata%2F0001418819%2F000141881926000022%2Firdm-20260402.htm)),
as well as on Iridium’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December
31, 2025, which was filed with the SEC on February 12, 2026 (the "**2025 10-K")**
and certain of Iridium’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form
8-K. To the extent that holdings of Iridium’s securities have changed since the 
amounts printed in the 2026 Proxy Statement, such changes have been or will be reflected
on Statements of Change in Ownership on Form 4 filed with the SEC (which are available
at [https://www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/own-disp?action=getissuer&CIK=0001418819](https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4721410-1&h=1931925713&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sec.gov%2Fcgi-bin%2Fown-disp%3Faction%3Dgetissuer%26CIK%3D0001418819&a=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sec.gov%2Fcgi-bin%2Fown-disp%3Faction%3Dgetissuer%26CIK%3D0001418819)).
Information regarding Iridium’s transactions with related persons is set forth in
the 2026 Proxy Statement under the caption "Transactions with Related Parties," 
as well as on the 2025 10-K and certain of Iridium’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-
Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Certain illustrative information regarding the
payments to that may be owed, and the circumstances in which they may be owed, by
Iridium to its named executive officers in a change of control of Iridium is set
forth in the 2026 Proxy Statement under the caption "Severance and Change in Control-
Related Benefits," as well as on the 2025 10-K and certain of Iridium’s Quarterly
Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Rocket Lab may also be deemed
to be a participant in Iridium’s solicitation; information regarding Rocket Lab 
will be included in the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents 
to be filed with the SEC in connection with the transaction. Copies of these documents
may be obtained, free of charge, from the SEC or Iridium as described in the preceding
paragraph.

**Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements**

This communication contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the
federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements are based on Rocket Lab’s
and Iridium’s current expectations, estimates and projections about the expected
date of closing of the proposed transaction and the potential benefits thereof, 
its business and industry, management’s beliefs and certain assumptions made by 
Rocket Lab and Iridium, all of which are subject to change. In this context, forward-
looking statements often address expected future events, including future business
and financial performance and financial condition. All forward-looking statements
by their nature address matters that involve risks and uncertainties, many of which
are beyond our control, and are not guarantees of future results, such as statements
about the consummation of the proposed transaction and the anticipated benefits 
thereof. These and other forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future
results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause
actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-
looking statements. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could
cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such statements
and, therefore, you should not place undue reliance on any such statements and caution
must be exercised in relying on forward-looking statements. Important risk factors
that may cause such a difference include, but are not limited to: (i) the completion
of the proposed transaction on anticipated terms and timing, or at all, including
obtaining stockholder and regulatory approvals and satisfying other conditions to
the completion of the transaction; (ii) the occurrence of any event, change or other
circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement, including
the receipt by Iridium of an unsolicited proposal from a third party; (iii) failure
to realize the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction on a timely basis
or at all, including anticipated tax treatment, unforeseen liabilities, future capital
expenditures, revenues, expenses, earnings, the integration of the businesses of
Rocket Lab and Iridium, synergies, economic performance, indebtedness, financial
condition, losses, future prospects, business and management strategies for the 
management, expansion and growth of Rocket Lab’s and Iridium’s businesses; (iv) 
Rocket Lab’s and Iridium’s ability to implement their business strategies; (v) potential
litigation relating to the proposed transaction that could be instituted against
Rocket Lab, Iridium or their respective directors, managers, or officers, including
the effects of any outcomes related thereto; (vi) the risk that disruptions from
the proposed transaction will harm Rocket Lab’s or Iridium’s businesses, including
current plans and operations, or will otherwise divert management time from ongoing
business operations on transaction-related issues; (vii) the ability of Rocket Lab
or Iridium to retain and hire key personnel; (viii) potential adverse reactions 
or changes to business relationships resulting from the announcement or completion
of the proposed transaction; (ix) fluctuations in, and uncertainty as to the long-
term value of, Rocket Lab or Iridium common stock (including as relating to the 
risk that any announcements related to the proposed transaction could have adverse
effects on the market price of such stock); (x) legislative, regulatory and economic
developments affecting Rocket Lab’s and Iridium’s businesses, including actions 
by government agencies and third parties; (xi) general economic and market developments
and conditions, potential changes to international trade relations, geopolitical
conflicts and effects from global pandemics, epidemics, or other public health crises;(
xii) the evolving legal, regulatory and tax regimes under which Rocket Lab and Iridium
operate; (xiii) restrictions during the pendency of the proposed transaction that
may impact Rocket Lab’s or Iridium’s ability to pursue certain business opportunities
or strategic transactions; (xiv) unexpected costs, charges or expenses resulting
from the proposed transaction; (xv) risks that any debt or other financing anticipated
in connection with the proposed transaction is not obtained or that such financing
cannot be obtained on the anticipated timing or terms or unexpected costs or expenses
in connection therewith; and (xvi) the other risks and uncertainties, as described
in the periodic reports that Rocket Lab and Iridium file with the SEC. These risks,
as well as other risks associated with the proposed transaction, are more fully 
discussed in the proxy statement/prospectus to be filed with the SEC in connection
with the proposed transaction. Neither Rocket Lab nor Iridium assumes any obligation
to publicly provide revisions or updates to any forward-looking statements, whether
as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, should circumstances
change, except as otherwise required by securities and other applicable laws. Forward-
looking statements included in this communication are made as of the date of this
communication.

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^(1) Based on Iridium’s publicly reported 2025 results. Iridium Operational EBITDA, or OEBITDA, is defined as earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, gain (loss) on equity method investments, transaction related expenses, and share-based compensation expenses. Iridium Gross Margin has been calculated as Total revenue less Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) and Cost of subscriber equipment, divided by Total revenue. For more information see Iridium’s Investor Relations webpage at [www.iridium.com](https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4721410-1&h=3317082757&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iridium.com.%2F&a=www.iridium.com)

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**Read the original article :** [Rocket Lab to Acquire Iridium in Historic Deal, Creating A Fully Vertically Integrated Space Powerhouse Primed for Growth ](http://www.prnasia.com/story/archive/4993985_AE93985_0?rand=184833)