Rocket Lab continues its buying spree with the acquisition of satellite company Iridium

Company launch Rocket laboratory It is the purchase of a satellite operator Iridiumputting it in a position to become a more integrated space services company, and continue the wave of consolidation in the industry.

The deal, which has not yet closed, will see Rocket Lab acquire Iridium shares for $54 per share, valuing the satellite company at $8 billion.

This is one of many acquisitions Rocket Lab has made this year. The company previously Bought Space robotics company Motiv in May, acquired Laser communications provider Mynaric in April, bought Manufacturer of precision components In February. And also bought Optical sensors defense contractor Guest last year.

Not only does Iridium operate dozens of satellites currently in orbit, it also owns a collection of valuable spectrum. Rocket Lab said in a press release On Monday it plans to “build on” Iridium’s existing network to “expand into untapped markets and pioneer new space services for the benefit of global customers.”

Rocket Lab’s announcement comes after years of consolidation between space and satellite companies, including ViaSat’s acquisition of Inmarsat and the private equity firm buying Maxar in 2023 and Lockheed Martin. buying Satellite manufacturer Terran Orbital in 2024. And in April 2026, Amazon — which is building a space internet competitor to SpaceX’s Starlink — Bought a satellite company Global Star for $11.6 billion.