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Rocket Lab's $8B Iridium Deal Signals a Bold Leap into Satellite Communications
business5 days ago

Rocket Lab's $8B Iridium Deal Signals a Bold Leap into Satellite Communications

Rocket Lab (RKLB) plans to acquire Iridium Communications (IRDM) for about $8 billion in a half-cash, half-stock deal, aiming to combine rocket-launch services with satellite-based mobile communications to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink and expand margins. The move could unlock significant long-term upside, but it comes with high risk: Rocket Lab is still unprofitable, the stock is volatile, and the acquisition’s closing and integration (expected in H1 2027) will drive the near-term trajectory. In Q1, Rocket Lab posted revenue growth of about 63.5% to $200.3 million, while reporting a per-share loss of $0.02; Iridium posted a net profit of roughly $114.4 million last year, and Rocket Lab’s own net loss was about $198.2 million, underscoring the substantial execution risk alongside potential synergy-driven gains.

via The Motley Fool|
#acquisitions#business#iridium
Rocket Lab pivots to space services with Iridium acquisition
business11 days ago

Rocket Lab pivots to space services with Iridium acquisition

Rocket Lab will acquire Iridium for $8 billion (54 per share in cash and stock), a move CEO Peter Beck calls the logical next step into space services, using Iridium’s L-band network to enable new applications and a vertically integrated model of rockets, satellites and services. The deal is expected to close in mid-2027 after regulatory approvals, and Iridium NEXT remains healthy, giving Rocket Lab time to scale opportunities and pursue recurring revenue beyond its launch manufacturing. The companies will maintain Iridium’s current service, with Rocket Lab aiming to expand the offering, although specifics were not disclosed; the transaction does not affect Rocket Lab’s ongoing work with Globalstar.

via SpaceNews|
#acquisition#business#iridium
Rocket Lab to buy Iridium’s 66-satellite network for $8B, aiming to challenge SpaceX
science11 days ago

Rocket Lab to buy Iridium’s 66-satellite network for $8B, aiming to challenge SpaceX

Rocket Lab will acquire Iridium Communications for $8 billion, combining Rocket Lab’s launch and spacecraft manufacturing with Iridium’s 66-satellite global network to compete with SpaceX, serving about 2.5 million subscribers and enabling next‑generation satellites with direct-to-device services that could bolster U.S. national security and emergency-response capabilities.

via The Verge|
#iridium#national-security#rocket-lab
Rocket Lab seals $8B Iridium deal to forge a space-services powerhouse
business11 days ago

Rocket Lab seals $8B Iridium deal to forge a space-services powerhouse

Rocket Lab announced it is acquiring Iridium for about $8 billion in cash and stock, combining Rocket Lab’s launch capabilities with Iridium’s profitable 80-satellite L-band network to accelerate space-based services (IoT, navigation/PNT, aviation, maritime, and security). CEO Peter Beck says the deal creates a self-launching space powerhouse and aims to outpace rivals like SpaceX and Blue Origin, while Rocket Lab continues developing the Neutron rocket; Iridium’s network and spectrum underpin the expansion, though Neutron’s debut remains uncertain.

via Ars Technica|
#acquisition#business#iridium
Rocket Lab to Acquire Iridium, Creating a Fully Integrated Space Services Powerhouse
business12 days ago

Rocket Lab to Acquire Iridium, Creating a Fully Integrated Space Services Powerhouse

Rocket Lab will acquire Iridium for about $8 billion enterprise value, paying $54 per Iridium share in cash and stock, uniting Rocket Lab's launch and manufacturing with Iridium's global L-band network to form an end-to-end space company offering satellite services, IoT, D2D, PNT, and national-security capabilities, with closing expected in mid-2027 subject to approvals and financing; the deal expands recurring revenue and vertical integration in the space economy.

via PR Newswire|
#business#iridium#merger-acquisition
A front-row account of the dinosaur-ending asteroid impact
science2 months ago

A front-row account of the dinosaur-ending asteroid impact

The article guides readers through a vivid timeline of the 66-million-year-old asteroid impact that ended the dinosaurs. It describes the instantaneous fireball, shock waves, and vaporized rocks, followed by megatsunamis, global fires, thick dust, and a prolonged ‘nuclear-winter’ like atmosphere that plunged Earth into darkness and freezing temperatures. Over the next year to decade, ecosystems collapse and mass extinctions unfold, with evidence from iridium-rich layers and the Chicxulub crater confirming the catastrophe. Eventually life recovers in new configurations, enabling mammals to rise in the long aftermath.

via The Conversation|
#asteroid-impact#chicxulub-crater#cretaceous-paleogene
Robot‑assisted chemistry spots metal‑based antibiotics, with iridium as a standout
science5 months ago

Robot‑assisted chemistry spots metal‑based antibiotics, with iridium as a standout

Researchers used a liquid‑handling robot to perform click chemistry, creating 672 metal complexes by combining 192 ligands with five metals. Screening revealed notable antibacterial activity for iridium and rhenium complexes against Staphylococcus aureus, with six compounds selected for further study. One iridium complex showed 50–100× higher activity against bacteria than toxicity to human cells, a promising sign for metal‑based antibiotics but requiring further drug‑like optimization and in‑vivo testing; AI and expanded libraries are planned to guide next steps.

via Live Science|
#antibiotics#click-chemistry#iridium
Qualcomm terminates Snapdragon Satellite project with Iridium due to lack of demand
technology2 years ago

Qualcomm terminates Snapdragon Satellite project with Iridium due to lack of demand

Qualcomm and Iridium have announced the end of their partnership for Snapdragon Satellite, a technology aimed at providing emergency satellite connectivity for Android phones. Despite successful development and demonstration, no Android manufacturers signed on to include the technology in their devices. This decision was influenced by a preference for standards-based solutions. However, Samsung recently hinted that its 2024 Galaxy phones may offer satellite connectivity, while Huawei already offers satellite calls on its Mate 60 line. Iridium remains optimistic about the future of satellite connectivity in consumer devices, emphasizing its global coverage and reliability.

via PhoneArena|
#emergency-sos#iridium#qualcomm
Qualcomm's Satellite Phone Service Ditched by Network Partner
technology2 years ago

Qualcomm's Satellite Phone Service Ditched by Network Partner

Qualcomm is ending its partnership with Iridium to provide technology for connecting Android smartphones directly to Iridium's satellites. Despite successfully developing a chip for satellite connectivity, no smartphone makers have included Qualcomm's technology in their devices. The termination of the agreement is likely due to concerns over pricing and a preference for a standards-based approach. Iridium remains open to working with Qualcomm on a standards-based solution and plans to re-engage with smartphone makers directly. The cancellation does not affect Iridium's financial guidance, and the company expects to generate $1 billion in annual service revenue by 2030.

via SpaceNews|
#android-smartphones#iridium#qualcomm
"Qualcomm and Iridium's Partnership Demise Spells the End for Snapdragon Satellite"
technology2 years ago

"Qualcomm and Iridium's Partnership Demise Spells the End for Snapdragon Satellite"

Qualcomm has scrapped its plans to offer a satellite SOS feature for Android phones, called Snapdragon Satellite, which would have rivalled Apple's Emergency SOS feature. The partnership with satellite communications company Iridium was terminated due to a lack of interest from smartphone makers. Qualcomm will continue working with Iridium on standards-based solutions for satellite connectivity. The lack of interest may be attributed to potential payment issues and smartphone makers' preference for controlling the relationship with satellite companies. Apple's satellite connectivity service is currently being offered for free, and it remains to be seen if users will be willing to pay for it. Iridium is hopeful that phone makers will eventually show interest in the feature.

via The Verge|
#android#iridium#qualcomm
Satellite Connectivity Partnership Between Qualcomm and Iridium Comes to an End
technology2 years ago

Satellite Connectivity Partnership Between Qualcomm and Iridium Comes to an End

Qualcomm and Iridium's partnership to bring satellite connectivity to Android phones has been canceled, with Qualcomm terminating the agreements. The Snapdragon Satellite platform, which aimed to enable satellite-based SMS and emergency messaging on high-end smartphones, apparently faced technical issues and failed to attract interest from smartphone manufacturers. This setback comes as Apple has successfully implemented satellite-based emergency messaging on its latest iPhones. However, Iridium remains optimistic about the potential for satellite connectivity in the phone market and plans to re-engage with smartphone OEMs and chipmakers. Other companies, such as SpaceX and AT&T, are also exploring satellite connectivity options, while Samsung plans to introduce it in its Galaxy S24 phones next year.

via PCMag|
#android-phones#iridium#partnership
Multiple Satellites Set for Same-Day SpaceX Falcon 9 Launches.
space3 years ago

Multiple Satellites Set for Same-Day SpaceX Falcon 9 Launches.

SpaceX is set to launch low Earth orbit communications satellites for three different networks, Starlink v2, Iridium, and OneWeb, on the same day, with both launches scheduled to occur just over eight hours apart. The Starlink launch will break the pad’s turnaround time record between launches, while the Iridium/OneWeb launch will carry five Iridium NEXT and 16 OneWeb satellites on board. SpaceX aims to fly up to 100 orbital missions this year.

via NASASpaceflight.com|
#falcon-9#iridium#oneweb