Rocket Lab Corporation has agreed to acquire Iridium Communications Inc. for $54 per share in a cash and stock transaction valued at roughly $8.0 billion enterprise value. The deal combines Rocket Lab's launch and satellite manufacturing capabilities with Iridium's global communications network and L-band spectrum. Both companies' boards have unanimously approved the transaction, which is expected to close in mid-2027 pending regulatory approvals and shareholder consent.

The acquisition creates a fully vertically integrated space company that designs, builds, launches, and operates its own satellite constellations. Rocket Lab gains immediate access to Iridium's 2.55 million active subscribers and proven low Earth orbit infrastructure, providing recurring revenue from satellite services. This positions the combined entity to compete directly in the global telecom market while maintaining continuity of critical communications services across government, defense, aviation, and maritime sectors.

Iridium's globally harmonized spectrum enables reliable satellite communications and positioning, navigation, and timing services where GPS and other GNSS systems are unavailable. The merged company will accelerate development of next-generation capabilities including direct-to-device services for national security and emergency response applications. Iridium reported $871.7 million in revenue during 2025 with 57% OEBITDA margins, providing substantial cash flow to fund growth initiatives.

Sir Peter Beck, Rocket Lab's founder and CEO, called this a defining moment that will unlock entirely new markets beyond maintaining legacy infrastructure. Matt Desch, Iridium's CEO, emphasized the convergence of space and terrestrial communications creates opportunities for innovative applications. The transaction includes a $3.6 billion bridge financing commitment from Deutsche Bank and Wells Fargo to fund the cash component.