Rocket Lab shares are trading higher Tuesday on possible continued momentum after announcing an agreement to acquire Iridium Communications.

A new American vertical launcher-operator is formed by merging a former “big four” satellite operator with a commercial launcher building a competitor to SpaceX's Falcon 9

June 29 : Rocket Lab struck an $8 billion deal to acquire satellite communications provider Iridium Communications on Monday, betting on a SpaceX-style advantage that combines a…

June 29 : Rocket Lab said on Monday it would acquire satellite communications provider Iridium Communications in a cash-and-stock deal valued at about $8 billion, marking one of…

June 29 : Rocket Lab said on Monday it would acquire satellite communications provider Iridium Communications in a cash-and-stock deal valued at about $8 billion, marking one of…

Rocket Lab will pay $54 a share for Iridium, an ~$8bn deal that turns the launch firm into a vertically integrated space operator.

Rocket Lab jumps after announcing an $8 billion deal to acquire Iridium, expanding into space-based telecom and satellite services.

Rocket Lab is acquiring satellite telecommunications company Iridium for $8 billion as part of its effort to become an end-to-end space company.

Iridium shareholders will receive $27 in cash as well as Rocket Lab shares, with a combined value of $54 per Iridium share.

Rocket Lab bought the satellite operator Iridium Communications in a bid to create a vertically integrated rival to Elon Musk's SpaceX.

Rocket Lab acquires Iridium for $8B to build a vertically integrated space powerhouse spanning launch, satellites, and global network.

The deal accelerates a long-time push beyond launch services by adding an established satellite network, globally coordinated spectrum and a customer base - capabilities that…

Rocket Lab will get to launch its own satellites.

Rocket Lab acquiring the Iridium telecom network creates a vertically-integrated satellite connectivity operator.

The all-stock deal values Iridium at $8 billion, and gives Rocket Lab even more firepower to compete against Amazon and SpaceX.

Beck: Iridium acquisition the “logical next step” for Rocket Lab

SpaceX gains a vertically integrated rival as launch specialist adds global comms network

"Vertical integration is at the heart of this combination – the ability to build, launch, and operate our own spacecraft quickly and cost-effectively," a Rocket Lab spokesperson…

"This is a defining moment for the space industry and the start of a new era of strategic, accelerated growth for Rocket Lab and Iridium."

The deal will be the rocket manufacturer’s “shortcut” to enter the space applications market, CEO Peter Beck said. Accessing Iridium’s spectrum could also help level the playing…

Rocket Lab will acquire satellite communications company Iridium in a deal valued at about US$8 billion (NZ$14.2b), with the aim of transforming the company, while taking on…