---
title: "Rocket Lab buys Iridium for $8bn in a bet to become a smaller Starlink"
url: https://daily.dev/posts/rocket-lab-buys-iridium-for-8bn-in-a-bet-to-become-a-smaller-starlink-szazkjldx
source_url: https://thenextweb.com/news/rocket-lab-buys-iridium-8-billion
type: article
source: "The Next Web"
published: 2026-06-29T14:24:00.479Z
updated: 2026-06-29T14:24:19.946Z
tags: ["spacex"]
reading_time: 3
upvotes: 1
comments: 0
language: en
---

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# Rocket Lab buys Iridium for $8bn in a bet to become a smaller Starlink

**[The Next Web](https://daily.dev/sources/tnw)** · 3 min read · 1 upvotes · 0 comments

## Summary

Rocket Lab has agreed to acquire Iridium Communications for approximately $8bn in a cash-and-stock deal, paying $54 per share. The acquisition gives Rocket Lab access to Iridium's global low-Earth-orbit constellation, valuable L-band spectrum, and an established customer base spanning government, maritime, aviation, and emergency response sectors. The strategic rationale mirrors SpaceX's Starlink model: vertical integration from launch to satellite operations to end customers. Iridium's direct-to-device capabilities are seen as increasingly critical for US national security and emergency response. The deal is expected to close in mid-2027, pending regulatory and shareholder approvals. Rocket Lab reported record Q1 2026 revenue of $200m, up 64%, providing momentum for the move, though integration risks and a cautious space investment climate remain significant challenges.

## Full article

daily.dev links to this article rather than hosting it. Read it at the original source: <https://thenextweb.com/news/rocket-lab-buys-iridium-8-billion>

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