Iridium Communications Inc. is a publicly traded American company that operates the Iridium satellite constellation, a system of 80 satellites in low Earth orbit. Iridium provides global voice and data communication services via handheld satellite phones, messaging devices, and integrated transceivers. The company partners with various organizations, including General Dynamics Mission Systems and SpaceX, and serves diverse sectors such as aviation, maritime, and government, offering services like the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).
All verified mentions of this organization in source documents.
Iridium has acquired Aireon and made it a wholly owned subsidiary of Iridium Communications Inc.
Iridium has closed its acquisition of Aireon.
Integration of Aireon into Iridium is expected to proceed over the coming year.
Iridium intends to integrate Aireon more closely with its satellite infrastructure and commercial organization.
Iridium’s acquisition of Aireon gives it direct control over a data platform that runs on its satellite network.
Iridium plans to focus on operational and commercial synergies with Aireon rather than immediate restructuring.
Rocket Lab completed 20 launches and acquired Iridium for 8 billion dollars.
Rocket Lab will gain an immediate position in the space applications market through the acquisition of Iridium Communications.
Iridium CEO Matt Desch leads Iridium Communications.
Iridium Communications plans to offer alternative PNT capabilities anywhere on Earth using ultra-compact PNT chips.
Rocket Lab expects to gain hundreds of millions of dollars in additional free cash flow after acquiring Iridium Communications.
Rocket Lab expects that adding Iridium Communications will more than double its revenue.
Amazon, Iridium, Globalstar, and Telesat launched the SpaceConnect Association in Washington, D.C. on June 24, 2026.
Rocket Lab agreed to acquire Iridium Communications in an $8 billion cash-and-stock deal.
Iridium Communications operates a constellation of 66 satellites in low Earth orbit and 14 spares.
Rocket Lab expects its acquisition of Iridium Communications to close in mid-2027.
Rocket Lab reported FY25 revenue of $602 million, while Iridium Communications generated about $872 million in revenue.
The Rocket Lab–Iridium transaction will combine Rocket Lab’s launch and satellite manufacturing capabilities with Iridium’s global communications network.
The Rocket Lab acquisition combines Rocket Lab’s launch services and space systems manufacturing with Iridium’s low-Earth orbit communications network.
Rocket Lab will acquire Iridium Communications in a cash-and-stock transaction with an enterprise value of approximately $8 billion.