Rocket Lab buys Iridium to build a space telecom giant — long the new space-econ
Thesis
Rocket Lab's $8 billion acquisition of Iridium signals a major shift for the company from a pure-play launch provider to a fully integrated space-services company. We connect this to the simultaneous turmoil in traditional telecom (AT&T and Verizon selling off), where legacy providers are directly threatened by satellite internet constellations. As space-based connectivity becomes the new frontline for global communications, this combination suggests the market is rotating capital away from legacy cellular towers and toward vertically integrated space networks.
Strategy approach
Build a rule-based strategy that enters long RKLB on D1 when the stock breaks above its 20-day high with volume > 150% of its 20-day average. Exit if the stock closes below its 10-day low or after a 21-day max hold. Use a 10% trailing stop.