Rocket Lab is acquiring satellite operator Iridium for $8 billion, or $54 per share, as part of its expansion to become a comprehensive space services company. This acquisition is part of a broader trend of consolidation in the space industry, following recent acquisitions like Amazon's purchase of Globalstar for $11.6 billion. Iridium operates numerous satellites and owns significant spectrum rights, which Rocket Lab intends to leverage to enhance services and access new markets.

–:–:–:–

The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. Tickets are going fast. Register now.

Founder Summit ticket savings of up to $190 end June 26. Join 1,000+ founders and VCs for all-day bootcamp. REGISTER NOW.

Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Share on Reddit Share over Email Copy Share Link

In Brief

Posted:

8:02 AM PDT · June 29, 2026

Image Credits: Rocket Lab

Sean O'Kane

Rocket Lab continues buying spree by acquiring satellite company Iridium

Launch company Rocket Lab is buying satellite operator Iridium, putting it in a position to become a more full-fledged space services company and continuing a wave of consolidation in the industry.

The deal, which hasn’t yet closed, will see Rocket Lab acquire Iridium’s stock for $54 per share, valuing the satellite company at $8 billion.

This is one of several acquisitions for Rocket Lab this year. The company previously bought space robotics company Motiv in May, acquired laser communications provider Mynaric in April, and purchased a precision component manufacturer in February. It also bought optical sensor defense contractor Geost last year.

Iridium not only operates dozens of satellites currently in orbit, but it also owns a bundle of valuable spectrum. Rocket Lab said in a press release Monday that it plans to “build upon” Iridium’s existing network in order to “scale into untapped markets and pioneer new space-based services to the benefit of global customers.”

Rocket Lab’s announcement comes after years of consolidation among space and satellite companies, including Viasat acquiring Inmarsat, a private equity firm buying Maxar in 2023, and Lockheed Martin purchasing satellite manufacturer Terran Orbital in 2024. In April 2026, Amazon — which is building a space-based internet competitor to SpaceX’s Starlink — bought satellite company Globalstar for $11.6 billion.

Topics

In Brief, Rocket Lab, Space, Space, space tech

Event Logo

November 4

Boston

Last chance to save up to $190 on TechCrunch Founder Summit. Join 1,000+ founders and VCs at all stages for real-world scaling insights and connections that move the needle.

Savings end June 26, 11:59 p.m. PT.

REGISTER NOW