Rocket Lab USA Acquires Geost to Enhance National Security Capabilities

Rocket Lab USA (RKLB) has acquired Geost LLC for $275 million to strengthen its national security position. The deal includes $125 million in cash, 3,057,588 shares of Rocket Lab common stock, and $50 million tied to future revenue targets. The acquisition positions Rocket Lab as a key provider of spacecraft for national security programs, including missile warning and earth observation.

Rocket Lab USA (RKLB) has completed the acquisition of Geost LLC for $275 million, aiming to strengthen its position in the national security sector. The deal, announced on May 27, 2025, and finalized on August 12, 2025, includes $125 million in cash and 3,057,588 shares of Rocket Lab common stock, with an additional potential earnout of up to $50 million linked to future revenue targets [1].

The acquisition positions Rocket Lab as a key provider of spacecraft for national security programs, including missile warning and earth observation. Geost LLC, founded in 2004, specializes in electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensor systems for national security space missions. The company has a proven track record of delivering resilient payloads for both classified and unclassified missions, enhancing the protection of U.S. space assets in contested environments [1].

Rocket Lab, founded in 2006, is an end-to-end space company with an established track record of mission success. It delivers reliable launch services, satellite manufacture, spacecraft components, and on-orbit management solutions. The acquisition of Geost LLC will enable Rocket Lab to offer complete, mission-ready spacecraft for U.S. national security programs, combining Geost’s proven sensing technologies with Rocket Lab’s ability to scale fast, secure, and integrated space solutions [1, 2].

Sir Peter Beck, founder and CEO of Rocket Lab, stated, “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. This acquisition strengthens our role in building the resilient, responsive space architecture envisioned under Golden Dome” [1].

Bill Gattle, CEO of Lightridge Solutions, added, “This is a pivotal next step for 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. Geost is excited to partner with a team that shares a commitment to speed, innovation, and national purpose. Together, Geost and Rocket Lab can scale production, accelerate delivery, and strengthen the critical space capabilities our nation depends on” [1].

Geost will continue to operate in Arizona and Virginia, expanding Rocket Lab’s footprint across North America. The acquisition transfers Geost’s product assets, manufacturing facilities, laboratories, intellectual property, and inventory to Rocket Lab [1].

References:
[1] https://defence-industry.eu/rocket-lab-completes-275-million-acquisition-of-geost-to-boost-u-s-national-security-capabilities/
[2] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/rocket-lab-closes-acquisition-geost-121400128.html