International News Portal8 November 2026Headlines from established publishers
Technology
Rocket Lab is buying Iridium’s satellite network for $8 billion to take on SpaceX
Rocket Lab, the space company best known for its small satellite launcher Electron, has announced plans to acquire Iridium Communications for $8 billion. The deal will combine Rocket Lab's launch services and spacecraft manufacturing with Iridium's satellite-based communications network, putting it...
Rocket Lab’s Electron launch vehicle lifting off from its launch complex in New Zealand. | Image: RocketLab
Rocket Lab, the space company best known for its small satellite launcher Electron, has announced plans to acquire Iridium Communications for $8 billion. The deal will combine Rocket Lab's launch services and spacecraft manufacturing with Iridium's satellite-based communications network, putting it in a better position to challenge SpaceX.
Iridium offers communications services to over 2.5 million subscribers around the globe. Its users tap into Iridium's constellation of 66 low-Earth orbit satellites and L-band spectrum to maintain contact with people on ships, aircraft, and in other remote locations. Iridium partnered with SpaceX to launc …
We use cookies to run this site and, with your consent, to measure
traffic and improve our content. Necessary cookies are always on. You
can accept all cookies or choose which ones to allow.
Privacy policy.