What Happened
Space Company Expands Into Satellite Communications
Rocket Lab has announced plans to acquire Iridium Communications for $8 billion, combining its launch services and spacecraft manufacturing with Iridium’s satellite-based communications network. Iridium’s constellation of 66 satellites provides communications for 2.5 million subscribers worldwide. The acquisition aims to challenge SpaceX in the satellite communications market and may offer a shortcut for Rocket Lab to build a satellite network, as stated by CEO Sir Peter Beck. This deal was first reported by The Verge.