Rocket Lab clears HSR review, files S-4 for Iridium deal

Rocket Lab said its Hart-Scott-Rodino antitrust waiting period for the roughly $8 billion Iridium Communications acquisition expired August 12, and the company filed a Form S-4 registration statement with the SEC the next day to register the securities Iridium shareholders will receive at closing. Rocket Lab and Iridium had already filed FCC applications on August 10 to transfer control of Iridium's satellite licenses, and Rocket Lab said its capital strategy, including a new at-the-market equity program, remains underway to reduce its $3.6 billion bridge loan commitment ahead of the deal's expected mid-2027 close.