US Company Rocket Lab Acquires Munich-Based Laser Firm Mynaric
Munich, April 1, 2026 – Californian space company Rocket Lab has received approval from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs to acquire Mynaric, a Munich-based manufacturer of laser terminals for communication satellites. The acquisition, which involves security-relevant technologies, was approved under strict conditions to safeguard German and European interests.
Strategic Acquisition Amidst Demand for Laser Communication
Mynaric specializes in laser terminals used in communication satellites, including those for defense purposes. Despite high demand, the company recently underwent a restructuring process. Rocket Lab’s CEO, Peter Beck, emphasized the strategic importance of this acquisition, stating, “Laser communication is a decisive factor for the satellite constellations of today and tomorrow, and Rocket Lab will provide it on a large scale.”
Rocket Lab is known for its Electron small rocket, capable of launching satellites up to 300 kilograms, with over 80 successful launches since 2018. The company is also developing the larger Neutron rocket, designed to carry up to 13 tons into low Earth orbit. The acquisition of Mynaric will strengthen Rocket Lab’s capabilities in satellite components, particularly in laser terminals.
Conditions for Approval: Ensuring German and European Security
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs initiated an investment review process due to the security-relevant nature of Mynaric’s technology. Approval was granted only under “strict conditions,” which guarantee that Mynaric’s intellectual property, production, and research and development of key technologies and products will remain in Germany and Europe. Furthermore, the conditions ensure that products and services for German and European defense customers will continue to be available.
This move is particularly significant given a 2020 decision by the German government to prohibit Mynaric from supplying its laser technology to China, highlighting the strategic importance of this technology.
Mynaric’s Journey: From Startup to Acquisition
Mynaric, originally a spin-off from former employees of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and initially named Vialight in 2009, went public in 2017. Four years later, the startup opened a factory. However, production delays and supply bottlenecks led to declining revenues and losses, resulting in Mynaric being delisted from the stock exchange. US investor Pimco, a subsidiary of Allianz, facilitated the restructuring process through loans and subsequently the sale to Rocket Lab.
According to Rocket Lab, Mynaric’s headquarters will remain in Gilching, Munich, marking Rocket Lab’s first European outpost. Mynaric is already supplying Condor Mk3 communication terminals to Rocket Lab for a multi-billion dollar contract with the US Space Force. Other clients include commercial satellite constellation operators, as well as defense and civilian government agencies. Rocket Lab plans to expand Mynaric’s production capabilities.
While the purchase price was not disclosed, reports by Welt indicated that the Rheinmetall group had also expressed interest in acquiring Mynaric. Tesat, an Airbus subsidiary, is considered one of Mynaric’s main competitors in the market.
