Rocket Lab Corporation reports developments in launch services and space systems for civil, defense and commercial space customers. The company designs and manufactures Electron and Neutron launch vehicles, the Photon satellite platform, and spacecraft components used in missions for national security, scientific research, Earth observation, communications and other orbital applications.
Company news commonly covers launch contracts, mission awards, hypersonic test activity through HASTE, progress on Neutron, Space Systems products such as star trackers, and operating results tied to backlog, revenue and program execution. Updates also include defense partnerships, customer manifests, acquisitions that expand the space systems portfolio, and capital-structure matters.
Rocket Lab (RKLB) successfully launched its 98th Electron mission, carrying satellites for signals intelligence company HawkEye 360 from New Zealand.
The mission delivered three HAWK satellites to a 520km low Earth orbit. It was Rocket Lab’s third dedicated Electron launch for HawkEye 360 and its 19th successful mission in 2026.
Viasat (VSAT) advanced its NASA Communications Services Project demonstration with the successful launch of the Maxwell spacecraft on October 20, 2026. Maxwell launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station aboard SpaceX’s Bandwagon-5 rideshare mission. The demonstration is part of work under two NASA contract awards totaling $81 million, supporting NASA’s preparations to retire its Tracking and Data Relay Satellite fleet.
Viasat plans five months of on-orbit testing through March 2027 for its Defense and Advanced Technologies segment. The demonstrations will test Ka- and L-band satellite relay services and direct-to-ground communications. Viasat aims to provide continuous connectivity for low Earth orbit missions. Rocket Lab (RKLB) built Maxwell and supplied a new L-band radio for the relay demonstration.
Rocket Lab (RKLB) will release its third-quarter 2026 financial results after U.S. markets close on November 9, 2026.
A corresponding conference call will begin at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time). A live webcast and replay will be available on the company’s Investor Relations website.
Iridium Communications (IRDM) reported third-quarter 2026 revenue of $245.7 million, up 8% from the comparable period of 2025. Net income rose to $106.9 million, or $0.98 per diluted share, from $37.1 million, or $0.35 per diluted share, primarily reflecting a $103.9 million gain related to the Aireon acquisition. Operational EBITDA, a non-GAAP earnings measure excluding specified expenses and gains, fell to $135.6 million from $136.6 million.
Iridium completed the Aireon acquisition on July 2, 2026. Stockholders approved Rocket Lab's acquisition of Iridium; the company expects completion by mid-2027, subject to remaining regulatory approvals and closing conditions. Quarter-end gross debt was $2.2 billion, with $97.9 million in cash and cash equivalents. The board plans to raise the quarterly dividend to $0.16 per share starting in the fourth quarter.
Rocket Lab (RKLB) has adjusted Neutron’s inaugural launch schedule and now expects the launch vehicle’s first flight to occur in 2027. The company shared an update on the Neutron development program and made a presentation with further details available on its investor relations website.
Rocket Lab (RKLB) has signed a multi-year agreement with Synspective for 20 new Electron missions, its largest commercial Electron launch contract.
The agreement brings the total number of Electron missions for the Tokyo-based Earth observation customer to 47, the most of any Rocket Lab launch customer. The new missions are scheduled annually from 2028 through 2031 and will launch 20 StriX synthetic aperture radar satellites to sun-synchronous orbit from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1. Other deal terms are undisclosed. Following multiple multi-launch contracts awarded this year, Rocket Lab’s launch backlog now exceeds 100 missions.
Rocket Lab (RKLB) launched its 97th Electron mission on September 26, 2026, deploying a satellite for Synspective.
The mission placed the 13th StriX satellite into a 559 km low Earth orbit. It was Rocket Lab’s 18th launch of 2026. All 13 StriX satellites deployed under the multi-year partnership have reached orbit. Rocket Lab says another 14 launches remain scheduled to deliver the rest of Synspective’s constellation by the end of the decade.
Iridium Communications (IRDM) stockholders approved Rocket Lab’s (RKLB) proposed acquisition at a special meeting on September 24, 2026. Approximately 99.6% of votes cast favored adoption of the merger agreement, representing approximately 81.0% of Iridium’s outstanding common shares entitled to vote.
At closing, Iridium stockholders will receive $27.00 in cash and Rocket Lab common shares for each Iridium share. The number of Rocket Lab shares will be calculated using an exchange ratio subject to a collar. The transaction has a notional value of $54.00 per Iridium share. Completion is expected by mid-2027, subject to remaining required regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Iridium provides satellite communications and related services; Rocket Lab provides launch services and space systems.
Rocket Lab (RKLB) successfully launched Synspective’s latest StriX synthetic aperture radar Earth‑observation satellite on the ‘Owl By The Dozen’ mission from Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand, at 3:22pm NZST on September 19, 2026.
The Electron rocket delivered Synspective’s 12th StriX satellite into a precise 572 km low Earth orbit. The flight represents Rocket Lab’s 96th Electron mission, its 17th launch of 2026, and continues a 100% mission success record across its multi‑year launch partnership with Synspective.
Rocket Lab (RKLB) has fully financed its pending acquisition of Iridium Communications by completing a $1.944 billion At-The-Market equity program and securing an amended Iridium term loan facility.
The ATM program raised approximately $1.944 billion in gross proceeds through the issuance of 29.3 million shares, with Rocket Lab intending to use the net proceeds primarily for the cash consideration under the Iridium acquisition. Iridium’s existing $1.775 billion term loan facility was amended on September 15, 2026 to permit the change of control and to carve out Rocket Lab’s pending acquisition from the “Change of Control” definition. Upon closing, Rocket Lab USA will provide an unsecured guarantee of the Iridium term loan. With the amended term loan, ATM proceeds and other unrestricted cash, Rocket Lab expects to have sufficient funds to pay the required cash consideration, refinance certain Iridium debt and cover fees, allowing termination of a previously arranged $3.6 billion bridge facility.