Below is a list of the most popular space exploration stocks. Space exploration stocks might be the next best travel and investment opportunity for humans, and many companies are trying to be the first to enter this investment gold mine. We know Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin. Despite being privately held companies, they have tons of funding and partnerships.
However, this article will not focus on them. In 2021, space exploration stocks hit the US stock market via Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs). Their founders also want a piece of the space pie. Many investors thought the stock prices would go to the moon.
Since they returned to Earth, they have been hitting new lows weekly. To add more bad news, SPAC space stocks aren’t the only ones in the race. Other public companies that have been around for much longer already have a foot in the game. They were space pioneers. Competition is fierce, and the race is on. Who is ahead of the others? Let’s find out.
Best Space Exploration Stocks 2026
| Symbol | Name |
|---|---|
| BA | Boeing |
| LMT | Lockheed Martin Corp |
| NOC | Northrop Grumman |
| SPCE | Virgin Galactic |
Space Exploration Stocks Breakdown
We begin with companies that haven’t been around for long. Recently, they went public via a SPAC. Their success depends on whether or not the technology they develop will be successful.
The space exploration industry requires a lot of capital for research & development. How much longer can they burn cash on Earth? Spoiler alert: This section is very pessimistic due to a lack of positive news from these newer companies.
Many companies are transitioning towards space exploration as it is ever-growing and demanding. Space exploration will be a key field in a progressive and a more demanding future.
It’s more than Elon Musk and SpaceX. You could say he’s a visionary in this field. And you can’t even buy SpaceX stock. But there are space exploration stocks you can invest in. The further we go into this, the more we might even be going into space ourselves.
No more NASA only. Or you are watching space launches on TV. Much has been made about moving to Mars and colonizing other planets that can hold life. It’s not just a Syfy anymore.
If they make it affordable to the average person, we could see a whole new world. Would that be something everyone wants to do? Probably not. Some of us want to keep our feet firmly planted on the ground. But we could make money off this.
Just think about visiting friends or family in space. Are we going to see a world like that? We all thought by 2020, we’d be driving flying cars, and we’re barely getting automated cars from companies like Tesla.
So who knows where we’ll be with this in the future, if anywhere? However, if we’re talking about space exploration stocks, here are the top 5 to invest in.
Virgin Galactic (NYSE: SPCE)
In October 2019, Virgin Galactic became the first space exploration stock company to go public via a SPAC. In July 2021, billionaire founder Richard Branson was aboard the company’s first space flight along with a full crew.
Virgin Galactic was once the leader in the industry. First-mover advantage usually works for companies, especially in a multibillion-dollar industry. In this case, it won’t unless there is a major turn of events. They are at risk of being beaten by their rivals on top of facing lawsuits for misleading investors.
On the bright side, they appear to be working on hypersonic intercontinental travel. Thanks to a partnership with Rolls-Royce, they project a 19-seat aircraft that can do New York-London in 90 minutes. However, this project is still years away from being completed.
Who knows when any of this technology will be accessible? Until it is, and without any safety concerns, the stock will remain at an all-time low.
AstraSpace (NASDAQ: ASTR)
AstraSpace’s stock performance is very similar to Virgin Galactic’s. After the SPAC, the stock jumped almost 90% due to the hype.
AstraSpace’s objective is to launch on a weekly and, ultimately, a daily basis by 2025. The company also has some weather technology in partnership with NASA. They want to do this as quickly and as cheaply as possible.
In February of 2022, problems with a rocket caused the loss of 4 NASA-funded satellites. Later this year, another failed NASA mission caused another setback in June.
They are investigating why 80% of their missions fail. Maybe AstraSpace needs to stop cutting costs. The company seems to promise the heavens but cannot get off Earth.
AstraSpace’s stock will remain glued to Earth if its missions and promises are unfulfilled.
Momentus (NASDAQ: MNTS)
Is there hope with Momentus? Different stock, same story. Momentus promised to remove space junk with its water-based propulsion.
Momentus also promises to offer a shuttle service on a reusable rocket to space. How are the promises going?
Bad. They failed missions and launches. Few details are provided regarding what is wrong. What about water-based propulsion?
There are issues with that as well. Let’s hope the company doesn’t put more space junk instead of removing it.
RocketLab (NASDAQ: RKLB)
Last on our SPAC space exploration stocks list is Rocket Lab. I won’t get into its stock price movement; you can already guess it. Many experts in the field have much more hope in Rocket Lab than its competitors.
Rocket Lab has already launched more than 100 satellites into space. It is also focused on smaller objects. Furthermore, commercial launches are already underway.
Rocket Lab can manufacture and build its components and launch satellites and rockets. Despite a stock beatdown, there is much more hope for Rocket Lab than for the other stocks mentioned above.
It’s hard to determine today which company will be successful in the next five years. It seems to me that Virgin Galactic has to be one of them. The company has too many sponsors and partners to fail. It would be a shame.
Rocket Lab also seems well-positioned to succeed in this very competitive industry. Keep a close eye on these stocks as they offer high risk and rewards.
Space Pioneer Stocks
How about some positive news? The stocks below have a proven track record spanning many decades. They’ve done everything from the first moon mission to military contracts. They may not be space exploration stocks, but their technology can shock the industry. Let’s look at a few companies and bring some positivity back.
Boeing (NYSE: BA)
Boeing can be considered one of the first space exploration stocks. The company helped build the rocket that brought Apollo 11 to the moon in 1969.
Today, the company is back in the business. In May 2022, after two failed attempts, it successfully launched its Starliner and docked it at the space station.
Boeing also joined forces with Lockheed Martin. They provide space launch vehicles to many international companies, namely Amazon and NASA. Boeing’s subsidiary Aurora Flight Services also designs and manufactures equipment for Virgin Galactic. Boeing is well-positioned to benefit from exploration thanks to its many partnerships, international recognition, and access to funds.
Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC)
Northrop Grumman is very similar to Lockheed Martin. Both space exploration stocks have military contracts, work with NASA, and develop aerospace and defense technologies. For those interested in the James Webb Space Telescope, Northrop is responsible for it.
Space exploration may not be its primary concern, but the company has the technology to compete with the other big boys.
A final word concerning space pioneers. They will certainly offer safer returns and dividends than space exploration startups. Some may even look to acquire an existing company with an edge over others.
It remains to be seen. Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman are excellent stock picks due to their partnerships with the military contracts, NASA, and other big companies.
Is Lockheed Martin a Good Investment?
Lockheed Martin also earned some credit for the Apollo 11 mission. The mission wouldn’t have happened without the company’s expertise. As mentioned earlier, they also have partnerships with Boeing and NASA.
Unfortunately, Lockheed Martin does not have any commercial customers. They are focused on the military and government agencies and doing an excellent job there.
I won’t be surprised if Lockheed attempts to take over a space exploration company and develop its existing technologies.
It would be a strategic way to enter the space and gain the company’s existing clients. Until then, Lockheed is a solid company that will continue to build various parts for the aerospace, arms, defense, and tech sectors.
List of Space Exploration ETFs
In this final space exploration stocks section, we will look at ETFs tracking various companies in the space industry.
Procure Space ETF (NASDAQ: UFO)
Procure Space is investing in companies that operate in Space. Their funds are distributed between the SPAC companies mentioned above and companies that have already proven themselves. From space exploration to communication networks, there is something for everyone.
ARK Space Exploration (BATS: ARKX)
ARK is positioned for long-term growth and active management. Its top 10 holdings differ from Procure Space. The focus is primarily on the aerospace industry. There isn’t much space exploration. None of the companies mentioned in this article appears in its top 10 holdings. There is also more geographical diversification with some European and Asian stocks.
Kensho Final Frontiers (NYSEARCA: ROKT)
The last ETF on today’s list is heavily invested in the aerospace & defense industry sector. Boeing, Lockheed, and Northrop are all part of its top 10 holdings. Once again, there isn’t much space exploration. It may be added when the stocks gain some life.
ARK Space & Defense Innovation ETF (ARKX)
| Year | Performance | 2026 (YTD) | +6.1% |
|---|---|
| 2025 | +27.3% |
| 2024 | +15.8% |
| 2023 | +24.7% |
| 2022 | -31.5% |
Final Thoughts: Space Exploration Stocks
Space exploration stocks still have a long way to go before doing any actual space travel. Many companies have been formed in the last three years thanks to a SPAC. Their performance has been subpar.
This is due to continuous mistakes, failed launches, and missed deadlines. These mistakes led to shareholders complaining about the truth behind their statements.
Thankfully, other companies such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman have been around for much longer and are safer alternatives. Please do not trade any of the securities on this space exploration stocks list unless you know how to trade.
