Iridium (IRDM) reported earnings 30 days ago. What's next for the stock?

On Tuesday, Aug. 18, SpaceX (NASDAQ:SPCX | SPCX Price Prediction) completed its 100th launch of 2026, sending 24 Starlink satellites into orbit from Vandenberg SFB aboard a Falcon 9 and pushing the constellation past 11,000 satellites in low Earth orbit.

Nvidia turns financier, CAVA's traffic sizzles, Berkshire ends its 3-year drought, and more

Satellite communications, navigation, spectrum, and connectivity are becoming increasingly important drivers of the space economy. Among the top holdings of the Procure Space ETF (UFO), EchoStar (ECHO), Iridium Communications (IRDM), and Sirius XM Holdings (SIRI) have delivered particularly strong gains in 2026.

It's time for a cost-of-living checkup.

IRDM's Aireon deal adds at least $100 million in annual service revenue, but new debt, integration demands and Rocket Lab uncertainty raise the stakes.

Iridium's 23.2% three-month rally draws on recurring service growth and expansion plans, but weaker earnings, valuation and deal risks cloud its outlook.

IRDM's recurring service base and new satellite platforms widen its growth runway, but weaker earnings, leverage and deal uncertainty raise the bar.

SpaceX (NASDAQ:SPCX) has turned its own satellite fleet into its rocket business's biggest customer, and the timing puts a spotlight on Tuesday's earnings release.

Rocket Lab is positioned as the second most important US satellite launch provider, with future growth hinging on the Neutron rocket. Neutron's timely launch is critical; delays could increase dilution risk due to the Iridium acquisition's equity component and refinancing needs. The Iridium acquisition transforms RKLB into a fully integrated space company, providing global spectrum, pole-to-pole coverage, and immediate profitability benefits.