Rocket Lab Corporation has received regulatory approval to proceed with its acquisition of Mynaric AG, a provider of laser optical communication terminals for air, space and mobile applications. The transaction was cleared by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, with the deal expected to close in April.
Rocket Lab founder and CEO Sir Peter Beck said: “Receiving regulatory approval is an important milestone on the path to acquiring Mynaric. We’re an exciting step closer to expanding our ability to support the German and European space industry at a much greater level. Laser communications are a critical enabler for the constellations of today and tomorrow, and Rocket Lab is going to make them available at scale. We look forward to joining forces with the Mynaric team so that we can make optical terminals available at the volume and pace that commercial and government satellite customers demand across Europe and our existing markets.”
The move is expected to strengthen Rocket Lab’s position across the global space market, enhancing its capabilities as a launch provider, spacecraft manufacturer and supplier of satellite components. Laser communication systems offer significant advantages over traditional radio frequency technologies, including higher data speeds, improved security, better scalability and more efficient spectrum use. However, limited availability and production challenges have made them a bottleneck for satellite constellation operators.
With a track record of scaling production for satellite components, Rocket Lab aims to address these challenges by increasing the availability and affordability of Mynaric’s optical terminals, supporting the growing demand from large-scale satellite networks.
Following the completion of the deal, Mynaric will remain headquartered in Munich, establishing Rocket Lab’s first operational footprint in Europe and strengthening its ability to support regional space programs.
The two companies already share an established working relationship, with Mynaric supplying CONDOR Mk3 optical communication terminals for Rocket Lab’s contracts with the Space Development Agency, including projects to produce satellites for key defense-related programs. Both companies also serve a shared customer base that spans commercial satellite operators, prime contractors, and government agencies.
Rocket Lab said it plans to scale Mynaric’s manufacturing operations and introduce efficiencies to ensure more reliable delivery timelines and cost-effective production, positioning the combined business to better meet the needs of the rapidly evolving satellite communications market.
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