Prediction: Rocket Lab Will Turn Profitable and Free-Cash-Flow-Positive in 2027 -- Thanks to Iridium

Rocket Lab announced an $8 billion acquisition of satellite company Iridium, with an expected mid-2027 closing. The combined company is projected to become profitable and free-cash-flow-positive by 2027, with analysts forecasting $137 million in earnings and $425 million in positive free cash flow. The acquisition positions Rocket Lab as a vertically integrated space company offering satellite communications, positioning/navigation/timing, and IoT services—markets where SpaceX has limited presence.