SpaceX Is Public. Here's What $1,000 in Each of These 5 Space Stocks Could Be Worth by 2030.
2026-10-11 12:08
•Rich Smith •The Motley Fool
•••• ••••• Axe Cap view
Space Stocks: Tempting, But Risky Bets for SA Investors
Some space companies look overpriced; others show modest growth—but nothing to rush into from a JSE perspective.
The excitement around SpaceX's IPO misses one crucial angle for South African investors: at 200 times forward earnings, SPCX is priced like a moonshot but with no guaranteed landing. For JSE investors, the better opportunities are names like Planet Labs and Redwire, which have more realistic growth and valuations. Rocket Lab, even after its Iridium deal, looks likely to deliver flat returns, making it a candidate to avoid. AST SpaceMobile is clearly in bubble territory with a $24 billion market cap on minuscule revenues, a dangerous place to put money. Translation? While fascinating, this space sector story remains far removed from South African equities, so it’s better to watch rather than leap. The rand’s sensitivity to global tech trends makes keeping an eye on USD/ZAR sensible. One risk: should SpaceX monetize breakthrough lunar contracts or military deals faster than expected, these valuations could shift dramatically. this is just our opinion and not financial advice
Avoid the hyped space IPOs like SPCX and ASTS. Watch RDW and PL quietly for entry points and focus locally on the rand and traditional sectors. Use USD/ZAR movements as a gauge for offshore tech appetite.
- USD/ZAR
- Planet Labs (PL)
- Breakthrough contracts accelerating revenue for space firms
- Sharp rand weakness amplifying offshore stock value from a local perspective
6/10
An analysis of five space stocks projects their valuations by 2030 based on an 18% annual growth rate in the space economy. SpaceX is deemed overpriced at 200x forward earnings, while Redwire and Planet Labs offer modest growth potential. Rocket Lab faces headwinds despite Iridium acquisition, and AST SpaceMobile is significantly overvalued relative to its revenue.
Our take is based on reporting first published by The Motley Fool.