3 Space Stocks That Could Outshine SpaceX After Its IPO
2026-07-15 06:37
•Chris Markoch •Investing.com
••• ••• Axe Capital view
Beyond SpaceX: Three Space Stocks to Watch
Even as SpaceX’s recent IPO stumbles, some smaller space plays may still offer growth in the booming sector.
SpaceX's 11% drop since its debut signals typical IPO jitters rather than a fading sector. The space economy is vast, worth nearly $2 trillion, and smaller players are grabbing the spotlight with niche government and telecom deals. Rocket Lab offers frequent, reliable launches—a big deal when costs and timelines matter. AST SpaceMobile aims to extend cellular reach via satellite, with big partners like Verizon backing its potential. Intuitive Machines has NASA ties that bring a decade’s worth of contracts, pointing to solid revenue streams. South African investors won’t find local names here, but the USD/ZAR is relevant: a weaker rand could inflate dollar-priced tech and space stocks, making timing crucial. Given the long timelines and tech risks, these aren’t guaranteed winners. If the sector faces cutbacks or government spending slows, these bets could sour. this is just my opinion and not financial advice
I would watch USD/ZAR closely and consider small exposure to these niche space stocks via US listings, waiting for clearer signs of sustained revenue growth before adding more. Avoid chasing early post-IPO volatility in SPCX.
- USD/ZAR
- SPCX
- ASTS
- LUNR
- Government spending cuts in space programs
- Volatile cash burn and execution risks
5/10
SpaceX's stock has declined 11% since its June IPO, but the broader space sector remains strong with a $1.85 trillion market cap. Capital is returning to smaller space companies working with SpaceX on government and telecom contracts. Three alternative space stocks to consider are Rocket Lab (RKLB), AST SpaceMobile (ASTS), and Intuitive Machines (LUNR), each with different growth catalysts and profitability timelines.
This article was originally published by Investing.com and has been adapted here for Axe Capital Trading News.
Publisher: Investing.com
Author: Chris Markoch
Categories: Equities, Earnings, IPOs
Tickers: SPCX, ASTS, LUNR
Sentiment: Positive - Stock down 11% from IPO debut but maintains strong $1.85 trillion market cap, indicating investor confidence in sector growth despite near-term pullback due to mechanical factors and typical IPO underperformance. On track to achieve $150-200 million full-year revenue guidance with partnerships from Verizon and AT&T. Analysts forecast strong revenue growth and profitability by 2028. Significant cash burn presents volatility risk but long-term trajectory is positive.
Keywords: space stocks, SpaceX IPO, satellite communications, rocket launches, space economy, profitability, government contracts
Insights:
- SPCX: Neutral: Stock down 11% from IPO debut but maintains strong $1.85 trillion market cap, indicating investor confidence in sector growth despite near-term pullback due to mechanical factors and typical IPO underperformance.
- ASTS: Positive: On track to achieve $150-200 million full-year revenue guidance with partnerships from Verizon and AT&T. Analysts forecast strong revenue growth and profitability by 2028. Significant cash burn presents volatility risk but long-term trajectory is positive.
- LUNR: Positive: Clearest path to profitability with $1 billion full-year 2026 revenue guidance and $1.1 billion backlog. NASA partnership through Artemis program provides decade-long revenue pipeline. Despite 35% pullback and operational risks from lunar mission delays, analyst consensus price target of $31.50 represents 105% upside.