Rocket Lab Completes $275 Million Acquisition to Boost Defense Capabilities
Space Company Adds Advanced Sensor Technology for National Security Missions
Rocket Lab has completed its acquisition of sensor technology developer Geost in a deal that expands the company's defense capabilities beyond launch services and spacecraft manufacturing. The $275 million acquisition was finalized, comprising approximately $125 million in cash and 3,057,588 shares of Rocket Lab common stock, with an additional potential earnout of up to $50 million tied to future revenue targets.
"Being able to quickly build and deploy entire satellite systems is the cornerstone of future U.S. defense strategy, and with this acquisition, we're accelerating the delivery of mission critical payloads that support U.S. national security projects."
Sir Peter Beck, Rocket Lab
The deal brings Geost's electro-optical and infrared sensor systems into Rocket Lab's portfolio. These technologies support missile warning and tracking, tactical intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, Earth observation and space domain awareness — capabilities that are critical as U.S. space assets operate in increasingly contested environments.
Founded in 2004, Geost brings more than two decades of experience developing sensing technologies for classified and unclassified missions. The Arizona and Virginia-based company will continue operations in both states, expanding Rocket Lab's North American footprint. "This is a pivotal next step for Geost," said Bill Gattle, CEO of Lightridge Solutions, the company that previously owned Geost. "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."
The acquisition positions Rocket Lab as what it calls a "disruptive prime contractor" for next-generation defense initiatives like the Golden Dome for America concept and the Space Development Agency's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture. Rocket Lab first announced the deal on May 27, 2025.
Rocket Lab, traded on NASDAQ under the ticker RKLB, describes itself as a global leader in launch services and space systems. The Long Beach, California-based company operates the world's only private orbital launch range in New Zealand and is developing its larger Neutron rocket for future missions.
In acquiring Geost, Rocket Lab will gain the company's manufacturing facilities, laboratories, intellectual property and product inventory. The combined entity aims to scale production of electro-optical and infrared technologies for defense applications. The transaction expands Rocket Lab's end-to-end mission solutions from launch and spacecraft to now include advanced payloads for national security applications.