IN 2002, just days before Iridium’s network was scheduled to shut down, it was saved by a group of investors with a freshly signed US government service contract.

That acquisition means as of next year Iridium will have been providing connectivity services for three decades. And it is set to be acquired again, this time by satellite launch and operations service provider Rocket Labs in a deal worth $8bn.

Born out of Motorola’s Strategic Electronics Division, Iridium was originally designed to use satellite technology as an alternative to cellular devices. Over the 1990s, more than 90 satellites were built and launched to create the first global satellite network. However, the rapid expansion of cell phone technology made it difficult for it to compete. In 1999, Iridium declared bankruptcy and later Motorola announced plans to de-orbit the constellation.

However, it was granted a late reprieve and the new ‘Iridium 2.0’ rapidly expanded into new markets. By the mid-2000s, the first-generation satellites had far surpassed their expected five-to-seven-year lifespan.

In 2007, Iridium announced Iridium NEXT, the largest space-based technology refresh in history. Completed in 2019, the upgraded constellation still consists of 66 active L-band LEO satellites arranged in six polar orbital planes, with 14 in-orbit spares.

To access this network, Iridium Certus is the company’s next-generation connectivity platform enabling resilient, truly global coverage primarily for cockpit communications, operational data and moderate-speed cabin connectivity. It comes as Certus 100, Certus 200 and the premium Certus 700 for business aviation and maritime.

On top of this Iridium is pushing forward with direct-to-device connectivity. Its Project Stardust, which is set to go live as Iridium NTN Direct by the end of 2026, will enable smartphones and other devices to connect to its satellites without additional hardware. Its primary use for business aviation customers will be for aircraft telemetry, global emergency SOS and text messaging.

“By marrying Iridium’s deep heritage, trusted infrastructure and highly sought-after spectrum with Rocket Lab’s extensive and proven launch and manufacturing capabilities, we have the capability to unlock entirely new markets,” said Sir Peter Beck, founder and CEO of Rocket Lab following announcement of the deal in early July 2026.

The transaction is expected to close in mid-2027, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals. It has been unanimously approved by both companies’ boards.

Rocket Lab said the deal eliminates third-party launch costs for future constellation deployment by bringing those capabilities in-house.

“We’re excited about being able to accelerate the next generation of IoT [internet of things], aviation, maritime, PNT [positioning, navigation, timing] and national security capabilities, and pursue new innovative applications as part of Rocket Lab – a fully integrated, end-to-end space company,” said Matt Desch, CEO of Iridium.