Rocket Lab Corporation has completed its acquisition of Mynaric AG, marking a significant step in strengthening its space systems portfolio.
The deal, valued at $155.3 million, includes a small cash component and over 2.2 million shares of Rocket Lab’s common stock.
The move brings advanced laser-optical communication technology into Rocket Lab’s growing ecosystem of satellite and launch services.
Mynaric is known for developing laser communication terminals for air, space, and mobile platforms, technology increasingly vital to modern satellite constellations.
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Rocket Lab said the acquisition addresses a long-standing challenge in the space industry. Reliable, high-performance laser communication systems have been difficult to produce at scale. This has often slowed down both commercial and government satellite programs.
Sir Peter Beck, founder and CEO of Rocket Lab, highlighted the importance of the deal. He said laser communication plays a crucial role in enabling satellite constellations but has remained a weak link in the supply chain. He added that the integration of Mynaric changes that situation.
“We have a strong track record of solving satellite subsystem bottlenecks,” Beck said. “We make advanced technology more accessible and affordable. With Mynaric now part of Rocket Lab, we will do the same for laser communications.”
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The acquisition received regulatory approval from Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, clearing the way for the deal to close. Mynaric will continue to operate from its headquarters in Munich, giving Rocket Lab its first major operational base in Europe.
This new European presence is expected to help Rocket Lab better support regional space programs, particularly in Germany and across the broader European market.
The partnership between the two companies is not new. Mynaric has already been supplying its CONDOR Mk3 optical communication terminals for Rocket Lab’s major contracts. These include a $1.3 billion agreement to build 36 satellites for the Space Development Agency under its Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture program.
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This existing collaboration gave Rocket Lab deep insight into Mynaric’s technology and team. It also helped the company understand how to scale production efficiently to meet rising global demand for satellite communication systems.
Mynaric is also involved in other contracts with the Space Development Agency and serves a wide range of clients. These include commercial satellite operators, defense agencies, and government organizations.
With this acquisition, Rocket Lab is positioning itself as a more complete space solutions provider. The company now strengthens its ability to design, build, and supply key satellite components at scale.
As demand for faster, more secure data transmission in space grows, laser communication is becoming a key technology. Rocket Lab’s latest move signals its intent to lead in this evolving segment while expanding its global reach.
