**Rocket Lab Acquires Geost in Strategic Move to Boost National Security Capabilities**

Rocket Lab Corporation, a prominent figure in global launch services and space systems, has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Geost, LLC’s parent holding company from Lightridge Solutions, an ATL Partners portfolio company. Valued at $275 million, the deal includes $125 million in cash and $150 million in Rocket Lab common stock, plus potential additional payments of up to $50 million based on revenue targets. This move places Rocket Lab firmly in the satellite payload segment, marking a substantial shift for the company towards comprehensive national security space solutions.

Geost, based in Tucson, Arizona, is renowned for its advanced electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) payloads used in high-priority national security satellites. With more than 20 years of experience in both classified and unclassified missions, Geost provides crucial sensor systems for missile warning, tactical intelligence, surveillance, Earth observation, and space domain awareness missions. These core capabilities align with the U.S. Department of Defense’s strategic goals for resilient space architectures.

The acquisition, expected to be finalized in the latter half of 2025, is set to expand Rocket Lab’s portfolio by enabling the company to integrate mission-critical payloads in-house. This integration is anticipated to reduce costs, minimize integration risks, and accelerate delivery timelines for national security space systems. Additionally, it propels Rocket Lab into a disruptive role within the national security space, enhancing their ability to deliver integrated spacecraft systems designed for rapid and responsive operations.

Peter Beck, Rocket Lab’s founder and CEO, highlighted the strategic importance of the acquisition, stating, "With the acquisition of Geost, we're bringing advanced electro-optical and infrared payloads in-house to support secure, responsive, and cost-effective systems at scale." Bill Gattle, Geost’s General Manager and CEO of Lightridge Solutions, echoed this sentiment, noting the natural progression of integrating Geost’s optical capabilities with Rocket Lab’s expanding end-to-end space systems.

This acquisition will see Rocket Lab take on Geost’s product assets, manufacturing facilities in Tucson and northern Virginia, intellectual property, and an inventory of products. Geost’s team of 115 professionals will contribute to Rocket Lab’s expanded workforce, bringing the company’s headcount to over 2,600 employees globally.

Founded in 2006, Rocket Lab has established itself as a key player in the space industry, providing reliable launch services, satellite manufacturing, and on-orbit management solutions. The company operates multiple launch sites in the United States and New Zealand and has successfully deployed over 200 payloads. The acquisition of Geost positions Rocket Lab to enhance its offerings by incorporating high-performance optical systems, further solidifying its standing as a comprehensive provider of space solutions for government and commercial clients.