Mynaric is a manufacturer specializing in laser communication technology for aerospace applications. They produce optical communications terminals designed for high-speed, secure, and long-distance wireless data transmission between satellites, aircraft, drones, and other mobile platforms. Mynaric's products are used in various government and commercial space programs, including contracts with the U.S. Space Development Agency (SDA), the European Space Agency (ESA) and DARPA. Rocket Lab announced plans to acquire Mynaric in March 2025, aiming to scale production of these terminals for its own constellations and other customers.
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Mynaric’s largest contractual relationship runs through Rocket Lab’s $515 million SDA prime contract to build 18 satellites.
Rocket Lab has a $150 million acquisition agreement for Mynaric.
On March 5, 2026 the European Space Agency awarded Mynaric a contract to develop a laser communications demonstration system for the High Throughput Optical Network (HydRON) project.
If the Ministry of Economic Affairs approves the sale, Rocket Lab will integrate Mynaric into its Space Systems division.
Mynaric exited the StaRUG restructuring process in August 2025.
The Mynaric acquisition agreement with Rocket Lab has been under a Foreign Direct Investment review at the German Ministry of Economic Affairs for months.
Rocket Lab’s integration of Mynaric is described as necessary to fulfill Rocket Lab’s $515 million prime contract for the U.S. Space Development Agency’s Tranche 2 Transport Layer.
A final decision from the German Ministry of Economic Affairs regarding the Mynaric deal was expected by the end of March 2026.
Rheinmetall AG decided on March 11, 2026 not to submit a formal bid for Mynaric AG.
With Rheinmetall no longer pursuing a bid, Rocket Lab is the sole remaining suitor for Mynaric.
Rocket Lab signed a $150 million acquisition agreement for Mynaric in September 2025.
Mynaric has delivered over 350 laser communications terminals, with dozens currently active in orbit.
Rheinmetall concluded Mynaric’s technology could be accessed through commercial licensing or subcontracts rather than a full acquisition.
Mynaric’s backlog is reported to derive over 90% from U.S. defense revenue.
Mynaric will provide laser communications terminals for in-orbit testing and validation of the User Segment within ESA’s space-based optical data relay infrastructure.
Mynaric is the subject of an intensified bidding contest between Rheinmetall and Rocket Lab.
Joachim Horwath is Chief Technology Officer at Mynaric.
Mynaric previously worked on HydRON Element 2 by developing a LEO satellite collector to bridge different orbital layers.
Mynaric exited German StaRUG restructuring proceedings in late 2025.
Mynaric has delivered over 100 CONDOR Mk3 terminals for the U.S. Space Development Agency’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.