๐ Rocket Lab buys Iridium for $8B to challenge Starlink โ RKLB +16%, IRDM +25%
Rocket Lab agreed to acquire Iridium Communications for $8 billion in cash-and-stock, valuing Iridium at $54/share โ a 24.1% premium. The deal hands RKLB Iridium's 66-satellite LEO network, globally licensed L-band spectrum, and 2.55 million subscribers spanning defense, aviation, and maritime markets. The play: build a vertically-integrated space company that launches, builds, and operates its own constellation to compete with SpaceX Starlink. Deal expected to close mid-2027 pending approvals. Is RKLB the space stock to own heading into H2? Not financial advice.
