Rocket Lab to acquire Sinclair Interplanetary

Rocket Lab, a space systems company dedicated to small satellite launch, has reached an agreement to acquire Sinclair Interplanetary, a provider of high-quality, flight-proven satellite hardware. Financial terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed.

The acquisition aims to strengthen the satellite division of Rocket Lab, which produces the Photon spacecraft line and will enable Sinclair to tap into Rocket Lab’s resources, scale, manufacturing capability and innovative technology.

Founded in 2001 by Doug Sinclair, Toronto-based Sinclair Interplanetary develops spacecraft hardware, including reaction wheels and star trackers that support rapid-schedule small satellite programs.

More than 90 satellites incorporating Sinclair hardware have been launched to orbit, including Rocket Lab-launched satellites from AstroDigital, ALE, and BlackSky.

Commenting on the acquisition, Rocket Lab Founder and Chief Executive, Peter Beck, said: “By combining the experience and capabilities of both companies, Rocket Lab will deliver reliable and flexible satellite and launch solutions that enable customers to do more, spend less and reach orbit faster. Doug Sinclair and his team at Sinclair Interplanetary are recognised as industry leaders and, like Rocket Lab, they produce best-in-class solutions that satellite operators know they can count on. We’re thrilled to welcome Doug and the entire Sinclair team to the Rocket Lab family, and we look forward to working with them on Sinclair’s continued growth and success.”

Doug Sinclair remarked: “Rocket Lab has played a pivotal role in making it easy for small satellites to access space. By operating as one company, we now can do the same for satellite manufacturing and make our hardware available to more customers globally. I look forward to working with Peter and the Rocket Lab team as we move into an exciting new era for Sinclair Interplanetary.”