Motiv Space Systems

Space · Robotics · Aerospace

Acquisition

Rocket Lab acquires Mars rover arm maker Motiv Space for $40M

The purchase lets Rocket Lab build critical satellite components in-house instead of sourcing them from outside suppliers.

• Rocket Lab acquired Motiv Space Systems, a California-based space robotics company, for $40 million.
• Motiv built the robotic arm on NASA's Perseverance Mars rover and makes solar array drive assemblies and antenna gimbals used on satellites.
• The deal is part of a vertical-integration push: Rocket Lab previously bought laser-communications maker Mynaric and has separately announced plans to acquire satellite operator Iridium Communications.
• Rocket Lab shares climbed 17% over the prior month to $75.31 as investors reacted to the Iridium deal and strong demand for the Neutron rocket.
• Execution risk is a concern since Rocket Lab is simultaneously integrating Mynaric and Motiv while developing Neutron and absorbing a satellite network operator in Iridium.
• Owning robotic arms, solar drives, and gimbals outright lets Rocket Lab control a bigger share of its satellite supply chain and strengthens its pitch for planetary missions like Mars.