Rocket Lab has agreed to acquire Geost, signaling the latter’s expansion into the satellite payload segment.
The launch services and space systems company said Tuesday it will acquire Geost’s parent holding company from Lightridge Solutions for $275 million in cash and common stock shares, plus potential additional cash earnouts of up to $50 million. Rocket Lab aims to close the acquisition in the second half of 2025.
What Is Geost?
Geost is an electro-optical and infrared, or EO/IR, payload development and manufacturing company with over two decades of flight heritage in classified and unclassified missions. It provides advanced EO/IR sensor systems for missile warning and tracking, Earth observation, space domain awareness and tactical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. These capabilities directly contribute to the Department of Defense’s goals for resilient, proliferated space architectures.
Boosting National Security Offerings
With the acquisition of Geost, Rocket Lab enhances its position as an end-to-end provider of national security services. The move enables Rocket Lab to integrate mission-critical payloads and deliver integrated spacecraft systems specifically designed for national security. The acquisition also reduces integration risk, lowers expenses and speeds up timelines.
Furthermore, Rocket Lab will leverage Geost’s full range of sensing technologies, providing warfighters and mission operators the capacity to make quick and precise decisions in contested space environments. Rocket Lab also adds the Optical Systems category to its capabilities portfolio.
“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,” said Peter Beck, founder and CEO of Rocket Lab. “These technologies enable spacecraft that can detect, interpret and respond to threats in real time, enhancing our role as a trusted provider of end-to-end space capabilities for the United States and its allies — with greater speed, intelligence and operational control,” he added.
“By bringing high-performance optical technologies in-house, Rocket Lab is strengthening its ability to deliver responsive, full-stack solutions for government and commercial missions,” stated Bill Gattle, general manager of Geost and CEO of Lightridge Solutions.
