The mission of the Rocket Lab is to vertically integrate space solutions. On Tuesday the launch and space systems company announced the close of a deal to acquire SolAero, a supplier of space solar power products.
Rocket Lab now has another key supplier in-house after buying SolAero. Having access to Rocket Lab's resources will give SolAero the manufacturing capability needed to boost high-volume production and scale, meaning it can better supply other customers, too.
Morgan Bailey, director of communications at Rocket Lab, said that the acquisition helps the company capture more of the space market.
By supplying components such as star trackers, reaction wheels, flight software, separation systems, and solar panels, we are still able to capture revenue and play a role in the mission. SolAero technology will be incorporated into Rocket Lab's own line of Photon spacecraft, further supporting our strategy of vertical integration.
The deal was originally announced in December of 2016 and just a few months after Rocket Lab announced the acquisition ofASI. The goal of the acquisition was to help Rocket Lab build out its Space Systems division and achieve its goal of becoming an "end-to-end" space company.
The acquisitions of Sinclair Interplanetary in April 2020 and Planetary Systems Corporation in December of 2016 follow the SolAero merger.
Peter Beck, CEO and founder of Rocket Lab, said in a statement that SolAero is a highly complimentary addition to the business model. The team at SolAero have provided space solar power solutions for more than 1,000 successful missions, including the James Webb Space Telescope, and missions on Mars.
The Mars Insight Lander was the largest solar array ever deployed on the surface of Mars, and Ingenuity was the helicopter that successfully flew on Mars in April last year.
SolAero has supplied power to NASA and the International Space Station. The company has been selected to supply solar power modules for NASA's Artemis lunar exploration plans, which should enable future missions to Mars.
Rocket Lab will be adding more than 1,100 employees to its roster with the addition of the SolAero team. Brad Clevenger will continue to lead the team.
An additional quote and information from Rocket Lab was added to the article.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
