The deal, finalised after being announced in late May, was made up of around US$125 million in cash and 3,057,588 Rocket Lab shares, with the potential for an additional US$50 million earn-out if Geost meets future revenue targets. Geost was acquired from LightRidge Solutions, a portfolio company of ATL Partners.
The acquisition expands Rocket Lab’s offering beyond launch services and spacecraft manufacturing to include advanced payload capabilities, specifically electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) optical systems – used in missile warning and tracking, tactical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, Earth observation, and space domain awareness.
Founded in 2004, Geost has built a strong track record on both classified and unclassified missions, delivering payloads designed to operate in contested space environments. Its technologies support programs such as the US Space Development Agency’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture and emerging concepts like the Golden Dome for America.
Rocket Lab founder and chief executive Sir Peter Beck said integrating Geost’s sensing technology with Rocket Lab’s manufacturing capacity would accelerate the delivery of mission-critical systems.
“Being able to quickly build and deploy entire satellite systems is the cornerstone of future US defence strategy, and with this acquisition, we’re accelerating the delivery of mission-critical payloads that support US national security projects,” Beck said.
“This strengthens our role in building the resilient, responsive space architecture envisioned under Golden Dome, combining Geost’s proven sensing technologies with Rocket Lab’s ability to scale fast, secure and integrated space solutions.”
Bill Gattle, chief executive of LightRidge Solutions, described the move as transformational for Geost, adding “Becoming part of Rocket Lab enables Geost to take its sensing technologies further, faster – joining forces with a company that’s redefining space system delivery,” Gattle said.
“Together, Geost and Rocket Lab can scale production, accelerate delivery and strengthen the critical space capabilities our nation depends on.”
Geost will continue to operate from its existing sites in Arizona and Virginia, bringing with it extensive product assets, laboratories, manufacturing facilities, intellectual property and inventory.
The acquisition also expands Rocket Lab’s footprint across North America and enhances its capacity to produce EO/IR technologies at scale for defence and intelligence customers.