Rocket Lab Corporation has entered a definitive agreement to acquire Iridium Communications Inc. in an $8 billion cash-and-stock transaction, valuing Iridium at $54 per share. Iridium shareholders will receive $27 in cash plus Rocket Lab equity, reflecting a 24.1% premium over the prior close. The deal, unanimously approved by both boards, secures a $3.6 billion bridge loan from Deutsche Bank and Wells Fargo to refinance $2.1 billion of Iridium debt. By combining launch services, satellite manufacturing, and Iridium’s licensed L-band spectrum with 2.55 million subscribers, Rocket Lab transforms into a vertically integrated space operator with recurring subscription revenue, positioning itself as a direct rival to SpaceX’s Starlink network. The transaction is expected to close in mid-2027 pending regulatory and stockholder approvals.