Rocket Lab Buys Satellite Operator Iridium in Bid to Challenge SpaceX – WSJ
The $8 billion deal is part of a wave of consolidation in the satellite businessThe Wall Street Journal • Jun 29, 2026
Rocket Lab agreed to buy Iridium Communications, a deal that would give it control over a satellite fleet and access to wireless resources it could use to compete with SpaceX SPCX 3.63%increase; green up pointing triangle.
The cash-and-stock deal values shares of Iridium at $54 each, suggesting an $8 billion enterprise value for the McLean, Va.-based company, Rocket Lab said Monday. Iridium’s stock ended last week at $43.52 and has gained ground lately as investors bet on the value of its spectrum holdings.
