Latest news with #Geost
Scoop
a day ago
- Business
- Scoop
Rocket Lab Enters Payload Market With Agreement To Acquire Geost
Press Release – Rocket Lab The strategic acquisition would create an entirely new category for Rocket Lab, positioning the Company as a disruptor for national security space. Rocket Lab Positions Itself As Disruptive Prime To U.S. National Security LONG BEACH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq: RKLB) ('Rocket Lab' or the 'Company'), a global leader in launch services and space systems, announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire the parent holding company of Geost, LLC ('Geost'), a Tucson, Arizona-based electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) payload development and manufacturing company and provider to high-priority national security satellites, from Lightridge Solutions, a portfolio company of ATL Partners, for $275 million in a mix of $125 million of cash and $150 million in privately placed shares of Rocket Lab common stock, plus up to $50 million in potential additional cash earnout payments tied to revenue targets. The acquisition marks Rocket Lab's formal entry into the satellite payload segment, strengthening the Company's position as a provider of end-to-end national security space solutions. The acquisition is expected to close in the second half of 2025. The acquisition marks Rocket Lab's formal entry into the satellite payload segment, strengthening the Company's position as a provider of end-to-end national security space solutions. With more than 20 years of flight heritage across classified and unclassified missions, Geost delivers advanced EO/IR sensor systems for missile warning and tracking, tactical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, Earth observation, and space domain awareness—core capabilities for achieving the U.S. Department of Defense's goals for resilient, proliferated space architectures, like the proposed Golden Dome architecture and the Space Development Agency's Tracking Layer. By bringing these mission critical payloads in-house, Rocket Lab enhances its ability to rapidly deliver integrated spacecraft systems purpose-built for U.S. national security, while reducing integration risk, reducing costs, and accelerating timelines. Geost's full suite of sensing solutions enables warfighters and mission operators to protect, defend, and execute with speed and precision in increasingly contested space environments. The acquisition adds Optical Systems as a new category within Rocket Lab's deep portfolio of capabilities, cementing the Company's role as a disruptor in national security space. Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Sir Peter Beck, says: 'Rocket Lab was founded to disrupt the traditional space industry and we're doing just that by expanding our ability to deliver complete, mission-critical space solutions. With the acquisition of Geost, we're bringing advanced electro-optical and infrared payloads in-house to support secure, responsive, and cost-effective systems at scale. These technologies enable spacecraft that can detect, interpret, and respond to threats in real time, enhancing our role as a trusted provider of end-to-end space capabilities for the United States and its allies—with greater speed, intelligence, and operational control.' Bill Gattle, Geost's General Manager and CEO of Lightridge Solutions, adds: 'Integrating Geost's advanced optical capabilities is a natural next step for Rocket Lab as the company expands its end-to-end space systems. By bringing high-performance optical technologies in-house, Rocket Lab is strengthening its ability to deliver responsive, full-stack solutions for government and commercial missions. Backed by the infrastructure to produce these systems at scale, Rocket Lab is well-positioned to meet accelerating demand for high-performance space solutions. The addition of payloads to its vertically integrated portfolio not only expands mission capability but also elevates Rocket Lab's standing as a leading end-to-end space systems provider.' In acquiring Geost, Rocket Lab will gain the company's extensive product assets and manufacturing facilities and laboratories across Tucson and northern Virginia, intellectual property, and product inventory. The addition of Geost's 115 highly trained professionals will bring Rocket Lab's total headcount to more than 2,600 employees across its space manufacturing complexes, test facilities, and launch sites in California, Virginia, Colorado, Maryland, New Mexico, Toronto, New Zealand, and now Tucson. Rocket Lab will host a conference call for investors at 2:00 p.m. PST (5:00 p.m. EST) today to discuss the agreement. The live webcast and a replay of the webcast will be available on Rocket Lab's Investor Relations website: + About Rocket Lab Founded in 2006, Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company with an established track record of mission success. We deliver reliable launch services, satellite manufacture, spacecraft components, and on-orbit management solutions that make it faster, easier, and more affordable to access space. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures the Electron small orbital launch vehicle, the HASTE suborbital launch vehicle for hypersonic tests, a family of flight proven spacecraft, and the larger Neutron launch vehicle for constellation deployment. Since its first orbital launch in January 2018, Rocket Lab's Electron launch vehicle has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually. Rocket Lab has deployed 200+ payloads from its launch sites in the United States and New Zealand for private and public sector organizations, enabling operations in national security, scientific research, space debris mitigation, Earth observation, climate monitoring, and communications. Rocket Lab's family of spacecraft have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as the first private commercial mission to Venus. Rocket Lab has three launch pads at two launch sites, including two launch pads at a private orbital launch site located in New Zealand and a third launch pad in Virginia. To learn more, visit + About Geost Founded in 2004, Geost, LLC, a LightRidge Solutions Company and portfolio company of ATL Partners, is a rapidly growing producer of affordable high-performance optical systems for critical national security space missions. The company has served its core National Security Space customer base since its founding and employs over 100 high performing professionals. For more information on Geost visit: + About ATL Partners:
Scoop
a day ago
- Business
- Scoop
Rocket Lab Enters Payload Market With Agreement To Acquire Geost
Rocket Lab Positions Itself As Disruptive Prime To U.S. National Security LONG BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq: RKLB) ('Rocket Lab' or the 'Company'), a global leader in launch services and space systems, announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire the parent holding company of Geost, LLC ('Geost'), a Tucson, Arizona-based electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) payload development and manufacturing company and provider to high-priority national security satellites, from Lightridge Solutions, a portfolio company of ATL Partners, for $275 million in a mix of $125 million of cash and $150 million in privately placed shares of Rocket Lab common stock, plus up to $50 million in potential additional cash earnout payments tied to revenue targets. The acquisition marks Rocket Lab's formal entry into the satellite payload segment, strengthening the Company's position as a provider of end-to-end national security space solutions. The acquisition is expected to close in the second half of 2025. The acquisition marks Rocket Lab's formal entry into the satellite payload segment, strengthening the Company's position as a provider of end-to-end national security space solutions. With more than 20 years of flight heritage across classified and unclassified missions, Geost delivers advanced EO/IR sensor systems for missile warning and tracking, tactical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, Earth observation, and space domain awareness—core capabilities for achieving the U.S. Department of Defense's goals for resilient, proliferated space architectures, like the proposed Golden Dome architecture and the Space Development Agency's Tracking Layer. By bringing these mission critical payloads in-house, Rocket Lab enhances its ability to rapidly deliver integrated spacecraft systems purpose-built for U.S. national security, while reducing integration risk, reducing costs, and accelerating timelines. Geost's full suite of sensing solutions enables warfighters and mission operators to protect, defend, and execute with speed and precision in increasingly contested space environments. The acquisition adds Optical Systems as a new category within Rocket Lab's deep portfolio of capabilities, cementing the Company's role as a disruptor in national security space. Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Sir Peter Beck, says: 'Rocket Lab was founded to disrupt the traditional space industry and we're doing just that by expanding our ability to deliver complete, mission-critical space solutions. With the acquisition of Geost, we're bringing advanced electro-optical and infrared payloads in-house to support secure, responsive, and cost-effective systems at scale. These technologies enable spacecraft that can detect, interpret, and respond to threats in real time, enhancing our role as a trusted provider of end-to-end space capabilities for the United States and its allies—with greater speed, intelligence, and operational control.' Bill Gattle, Geost's General Manager and CEO of Lightridge Solutions, adds: 'Integrating Geost's advanced optical capabilities is a natural next step for Rocket Lab as the company expands its end-to-end space systems. By bringing high-performance optical technologies in-house, Rocket Lab is strengthening its ability to deliver responsive, full-stack solutions for government and commercial missions. Backed by the infrastructure to produce these systems at scale, Rocket Lab is well-positioned to meet accelerating demand for high-performance space solutions. The addition of payloads to its vertically integrated portfolio not only expands mission capability but also elevates Rocket Lab's standing as a leading end-to-end space systems provider.' In acquiring Geost, Rocket Lab will gain the company's extensive product assets and manufacturing facilities and laboratories across Tucson and northern Virginia, intellectual property, and product inventory. The addition of Geost's 115 highly trained professionals will bring Rocket Lab's total headcount to more than 2,600 employees across its space manufacturing complexes, test facilities, and launch sites in California, Virginia, Colorado, Maryland, New Mexico, Toronto, New Zealand, and now Tucson. Rocket Lab will host a conference call for investors at 2:00 p.m. PST (5:00 p.m. EST) today to discuss the agreement. The live webcast and a replay of the webcast will be available on Rocket Lab's Investor Relations website: + About Rocket Lab Founded in 2006, Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company with an established track record of mission success. We deliver reliable launch services, satellite manufacture, spacecraft components, and on-orbit management solutions that make it faster, easier, and more affordable to access space. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures the Electron small orbital launch vehicle, the HASTE suborbital launch vehicle for hypersonic tests, a family of flight proven spacecraft, and the larger Neutron launch vehicle for constellation deployment. Since its first orbital launch in January 2018, Rocket Lab's Electron launch vehicle has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually. Rocket Lab has deployed 200+ payloads from its launch sites in the United States and New Zealand for private and public sector organizations, enabling operations in national security, scientific research, space debris mitigation, Earth observation, climate monitoring, and communications. Rocket Lab's family of spacecraft have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as the first private commercial mission to Venus. Rocket Lab has three launch pads at two launch sites, including two launch pads at a private orbital launch site located in New Zealand and a third launch pad in Virginia. To learn more, visit + About Geost Founded in 2004, Geost, LLC, a LightRidge Solutions Company and portfolio company of ATL Partners, is a rapidly growing producer of affordable high-performance optical systems for critical national security space missions. The company has served its core National Security Space customer base since its founding and employs over 100 high performing professionals. For more information on Geost visit: + About ATL Partners: Founded in 2014, ATL Partners is a premier sector-focused private equity firm that invests in commercial aerospace, national security, and transportation & logistics companies. ATL brings deep sector expertise to its investment approach with experienced investment professionals and strong operating executives who have decades of combined experience in each of ATL's core sectors. For more information about ATL Partners, visit
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Rocket Lab Corporation (RKLB) Advances into Payload Sector with Geost Acquisition
Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:RKLB) has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Geost, LLC. The $275 million deal comprises $125 million in cash and $150 million in Rocket Lab stock, plus a possible $50 million earnout, and signals the company's official foray into the payload segment. A launch pad atop a grassy hill, smoke filled sky from a successful voyage to space. Geost has more than 20 years of expertise in developing electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) payloads for missile tracking, tactical ISR, and space domain awareness. These capabilities stand parallel to the U.S. Department of Defense's objectives for resilient satellite architectures. This includes the Space Development Agency's Tracking Layer and Golden Dome initiative. The acquisition, expected to close in the second half of 2025, includes Geost's IP, manufacturing infrastructure in Arizona and Virginia, and its 115-strong technical workforce. Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:RKLB) elevates its vertical integration through this acquisition and reduces mission cost and integration risk. It also becomes capable of optimizing delivery timelines for defense clients. Peter Beck, CEO of Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:RKLB), made the following comment: 'With the acquisition of Geost, we're bringing advanced electro-optical and infrared payloads in-house to support secure, responsive, and cost-effective systems at scale.' The market response before the acquisition has been cautiously optimistic. Goldman Sachs maintained a Neutral stance but increased the price target from $14.35 to $16.00 on May 12. Needham & Company reiterated its Buy rating a day later, raising the target to $28.00, citing the company's strengthening foothold in the defense sector. While we acknowledge the potential of RKLB as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than RKLB and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about the READ NEXT: 10 Unstoppable Dividend Stocks to Buy Now and 11 Oversold Global Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds Disclosure: None. Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
RNZ News
3 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Rocket Lab signs $460 million deal to build missile defence system
An Army Tactical Missile System being tested in December 2021, at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. Photo: AFP / John Hamilton / US Army California-based Rocket Lab says it has done a deal with a company capable of helping build the Golden Dome missile defence system. It has signed up to buy the parent holding company of Arizona firm Geost for $460 million. Geost develops electro-optical and infrared technology used in missile warning and tracking, surveillance and reconnaissance, Rocket Lab said. These were "core capabilities" for the likes of the Pentagon's proposed constellation of low-orbit satellites, as well as for the Dome, the company said on its website . The aim of the Dome is to create a shield that can shoot down all sorts of missiles including nuclear warheads. US President Donald Trump last week put the cost of the Golden Dome at $300 billion, but many analysts say it will cost much more. Critics have said it risks undermining global security by fuelling a new arms face involving space. Sir Peter Beck said the Geost deal positioned Rocket Lab as a "disruptive prime" - meaning major - contractor to US national security. "Rocket Lab was founded to disrupt the traditional space industry and we're doing just that," Beck said on the firm's website. "By bringing these mission critical payloads in-house, Rocket Lab enhances its ability to rapidly deliver integrated spacecraft systems purpose-built for US national security," the website said. The acquisition to be settled later this year would take the company's staff numbers to 2600 in factories and at test and launch sites in New Zealand, California, Virginia, Colorado, Maryland, New Mexico, Toronto and Arizona. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Broadcast Pro
3 days ago
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
Rocket Lab to acquire EO/IR payload developer Geost in $275m deal
The strategic acquisition would create an entirely new category for Rocket Lab, positioning the company as a disruptor for national security space. Rocket Lab has announced a definitive agreement to acquire the parent company of Geost, an electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) payload developer based in Tucson, Arizona. The $275m deal will be executed through a combination of $125m in cash and $150m in privately placed Rocket Lab common stock, along with the possibility of an additional $50m in cash earnouts tied to future revenue milestones. The acquisition, expected to close in the second half of 2025, represents Rocket Labs formal expansion into the satellite payload sector and significantly strengthens its position as a full-spectrum provider of national security space solutions. Geost, which has more than two decades of flight heritage supporting both classified and unclassified missions, specialises in advanced EO/IR sensor systems critical to missile warning and tracking, tactical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), Earth observation, and space domain awareness. These capabilities align with the US Department of Defenses push for resilient, proliferated space architectures such as the proposed Golden Dome and the Space Development Agencys Tracking Layer. By bringing Geosts payload expertise in-house, Rocket Lab aims to streamline the production of integrated spacecraft systems specifically tailored for US national security applications. The move is expected to reduce integration complexity, cut costs, and speed up delivery timelines. With Geosts high-performance sensing solutions, Rocket Lab will be better equipped to support real-time threat detection and response, enabling warfighters and mission operators to operate more effectively in increasingly contested space environments. The acquisition also introduces a new capability categoryOptical Systemsinto Rocket Labs growing portfolio and reinforces its role as a disruptor in the national security space market. Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Sir Peter Beck, said: 'Rocket Lab was founded to disrupt the traditional space industry and were doing just that by expanding our ability to deliver complete, mission-critical space solutions. With the acquisition of Geost, were bringing advanced electro-optical and infrared payloads in-house to support secure, responsive, and cost-effective systems at scale. These technologies enable spacecraft that can detect, interpret, and respond to threats in real time, enhancing our role as a trusted provider of end-to-end space capabilities for the United States and its allieswith greater speed, intelligence, and operational control. Bill Gattle, Geosts General Manager and CEO of Lightridge Solutions, added: 'Integrating Geosts advanced optical capabilities is a natural next step for Rocket Lab as the company expands its end-to-end space systems. By bringing high-performance optical technologies in-house, Rocket Lab is strengthening its ability to deliver responsive, full-stack solutions for government and commercial missions. Backed by the infrastructure to produce these systems at scale, Rocket Lab is well-positioned to meet accelerating demand for high-performance space solutions. The addition of payloads to its vertically integrated portfolio not only expands mission capability but also elevates Rocket Labs standing as a leading end-to-end space systems provider.' As part of the acquisition, Rocket Lab will assume ownership of Geosts facilities and labs in Tucson and northern Virginia, along with its intellectual property, existing inventory and workforce. The deal will add 115 highly skilled professionals to Rocket Labs team, bringing the companys total headcount to over 2,600. Rocket Labs global footprint now spans key locations across the United States, Canada, and New Zealand, reinforcing its commitment to delivering cutting-edge space technologies across a rapidly evolving aerospace landscape.
