Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ: RKLB) announced several regulatory and financing developments related to its pending acquisition of Iridium Communications Inc., according to a press release issued Aug. 13, 2026.

The mandatory waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act expired at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Aug. 12, 2026, clearing a key regulatory threshold for the deal. Separately, Rocket Lab and Iridium filed applications with the Federal Communications Commission on Aug. 10, 2026, seeking consent to transfer control of Iridium's licenses and authorizations to Rocket Lab.

Rocket Lab also filed a Registration Statement on Form S-4 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to register the securities it plans to deliver to Iridium shareholders as equity consideration at closing. The registration statement has not yet become effective.

On the financing side, Rocket Lab previously secured a commitment for a 364-day senior secured bridge term loan of $3.6 billion, arranged with Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, and Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch. The company said it intends to replace that bridge facility with a combination of permanent debt and equity financing.

As part of that effort, Rocket Lab and Iridium said they plan to seek amendments to Iridium's existing term loan credit facility, which had an outstanding balance of $1.775 billion as of June 30, 2026. If approved by lenders, the amendments would allow the Iridium facility to remain in place after the acquisition closes, reducing Rocket Lab's reliance on the bridge loan. The company cautioned there is no assurance lender consent will be obtained.

Rocket Lab also announced a new at-the-market equity offering program, replacing a prior program from May 2026 and carrying forward any unsold amounts from that program. Proceeds are intended to further reduce bridge loan commitments.

Rocket Lab founder and CEO Sir Peter Beck said the regulatory milestones "continue to pave the way toward the completion of this transformative transaction."