Rocket Lab Approved to Acquire Mynaric in Germany

Rocket Lab USA Inc. received regulatory approval from Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy to acquire laser communications firm Mynaric AG, a move that propelled the company's shares up 12 percent on March 31 and bolstered its position in satellite technology.

The approval, announced on Monday, clears the path for the transaction to close in April 2026. Rocket Lab, an aerospace firm specializing in launch services and space systems, aims to integrate Mynaric's optical data transmission terminals, which enable high-speed communication between satellites using laser technology. These systems provide faster data transfer, enhanced security, and efficient spectrum use compared to traditional radio waves, addressing supply constraints that have hindered adoption in satellite constellations.

For Rocket Lab, the acquisition secures a critical supply chain component for two contracts with the U.S. Space Development Agency valued at approximately $1.3 billion. These agreements involve producing 36 satellites for defense-focused programs. Previously reliant on external suppliers, Rocket Lab will now scale Mynaric's production to meet demand from commercial and...