Rocket Lab to Acquire Iridium: What the $8B Deal Means for UFO Investors

Investors in the Procure Space ETF (UFO ) woke up to a major development in the commercial space industry — and it didn’t come from SpaceX. Rocket Lab USA (RKLB) announced plans to acquire satellite communications provider Iridium Communications (IRDM) in an approximately $8 billion deal, bringing together two of the ETF’s largest holdings in a single transaction. Within the ETF, Rocket Lab and Iridium carry portfolio weights of 4.45% and 3.07%, respectively. Key Takeaways Rocket Lab plans to acquire Iridium Communications in an $8 billion transaction. As two of the Procure Space ETF’s largest holdings, the deal gives investors exposure to a bigger, more diversified company. Other core portfolio allocations, including AST SpaceMobile, MDA Space, and Planet Labs, continue to advance through key commercial rollouts and government contracts. Rocket Lab Growing Beyond LaunchesAcquiring Iridium would bring Rocket Lab an operational constellation of 66 low-Earth orbit satellites, more than 2.5 million subscribers, valuable licensed spectrum, and recurring communications revenue across aviation, maritime, commercial and defense markets. This purchase allows the company to transition from a reliance primarily on launch services, spacecraft manufacturing, and government contracts, toward a more stable and predictable subscription model. This approach mirrors SpaceX, which combines launch services with its Starlink satellite internet business. Historically, many publicly traded space companies have depended heavily on launch activity and government contracts. Integrated business models offer more stable revenue streams, making the sector potentially less cyclical over time.Iridium’s Strong FoundationThe takeover comes at a time when Iridium has already been gaining momentum. The company has benefited from steady subscriber growth, resilient government demand and increasing investor interest in satellite spectrum assets.Its position in the emerging direct-to-device satellite communications market has also strengthened its strategic value. See More: Bull vs Bear: Are Space ETFs Ready for Liftoff or Grounded by Macro Headwinds?Other Top UFO Holdings Making NewsSeveral other top holdings in UFO continue to benefit from industry tailwinds.AST SpaceMobile (4.4% weight)AST SpaceMobile’s (ASTS) direct-to-cell satellite network continues to attract investor attention, as commercial deployments move forward alongside partnerships with major wireless carriers. Investors continue to monitor commercial rollouts, regulatory approvals and future satellite launches.MDA Space (3.78% weight)Canadian aerospace company MDA Space (MDA:TSE) continues to benefit from growing investment in satellite manufacturing, robotics and defense technologies. As governments increase spending on national security and space infrastructure, MDA has emerged as one of the sector’s strongest long-term growth stories.Planet Labs (4.5% weight)Planet Labs (PL) continues expanding its Earth observation platform through AI-powered geospatial analytics, defense contracts and recurring software revenue. The company remains well positioned as demand for commercial satellite imagery increases.A New Chapter for the Space IndustryFollowing the acquisition announcement, the market didn’t wait long to react. Iridium shares surged more than 20% on the news, while Rocket Lab climbed roughly 8% to 10%. The deal also underscores a broader trend across the ETF’s portfolio. Beyond SpaceX, which often captures the spotlight, several of the fund’s largest holdings are emerging as key players. Meanwhile, commercial space attracts renewed investor attention through acquisitions, government spending and next-generation satellite networks. For more news, information, and analysis, visit the Thematic Investing Content Hub. VettaFi LLC (“VettaFi”) is the index provider for UFO, for which it receives an index licensing fee. However, UFO is not issued, sponsored, endorsed, or sold by VettaFi, and VettaFi has no obligation or liability in connection with the issuance, administration, marketing, or trading of UFO.