Reuters Rocket Lab USA is nearing a deal to go public through a merger with a specialpurpose acquisition company Vector Acquisition that would value the smallsatellite launch firm at 4.1 billion, including debt, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The deal could be finalized on Monday, the newspaper reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

Vector Acquisition is backed by technologyfocused privateequity company Vector Capital and raised 300 million in an initial public offering in September.

Vector Acquisition and Rocket Lab did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Sunday.

Rocket Labs backers have included defense giant Lockheed Martin Corp. The startup has already launched 97 satellites for the government and private companies for applications that include research and communications, the WSJ said.

Rocket Labs deal with Vector is expected to include additional funds of about 470 million in the form of a socalled private investment in public equity from investors including BlackRock Inc and Neuberger Berman Group LLC, the newspaper said.

Rocket Lab is expected to use proceeds from the deal to fund development of a mediumlift Neutron launch vehicle tailored for satellite megaconstellations, space missions and commercial spaceflight, the report added.

The Neutron rocket is expected to be able to lift most satellites forecast to launch in the coming years and be positioned as a lowercost alternative to larger vehicles, according to the report….