DEVOURED
Rocket Lab Buys Satellite Operator Iridium in Bid to Challenge SpaceX
Rocket Lab is acquiring satellite operator Iridium to build a competitive constellation against SpaceX's Starlink.
What: Rocket Lab plans to purchase Iridium Communications, gaining control of its 66-satellite low-Earth orbit fleet and valuable spectrum rights necessary for direct-to-device satellite connectivity.
Why it matters: This move turns Rocket Lab from a launch provider into a vertically integrated satellite communications operator, directly challenging the Starlink business model by controlling both the space-based infrastructure and the wireless spectrum.
Original article
Rocket Lab is purchasing Iridium Communications to compete with SpaceX's satellite offerings. The deal will give Rocket Lab control over a satellite fleet and access to wireless resources. Iridium currently operates 66 satellites in low-Earth orbit. It has valuable spectrum rights to connect handsets and other devices to satellites. Rocket Lab plans to develop an upgraded fleet of satellites that will replace Iridium's current constellation.
Explore all 42 articles in today's digest
Fresh dev news, AI-digested daily. Never miss a trend at devoured.fyi