Sarah Travers
Speculative investors are finding exciting new opportunities in space, where privatization and technological advancements are opening doors to vast markets. Historically dominated by government-funded organizations like NASA, space exploration and satellite launches are now being driven by for-profit companies. These businesses are proving to be just as effective, and often more cost-efficient, at handling tasks previously reserved for government agencies. With a surge in private space missions, investors are eyeing new growth prospects that could turn lesser-known companies into major market players.
Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin are leading the charge in space tourism and commercial space missions. SpaceX made history with the first private citizen spacewalk, while Blue Origin is preparing to launch two Mars probes for NASA. These milestones highlight the shift towards privatized space exploration, marking the beginning of a new era in which the private sector plays a critical role. As space becomes more accessible, market research firms like Polaris and Precedence predict that launch services alone will reach a $50 billion annual valuation within the next decade. Furthermore, financial institutions like Morgan Stanley and Citi estimate that the entire space economy could be worth $1 trillion by 2040.
While the spotlight often falls on big names like SpaceX, many investment experts believe that the real millionaire-making potential lies with lesser-known companies. These “under-the-radar” stocks offer the potential for significant growth, especially as they continue to develop groundbreaking technologies and services for space exploration. Three companies in particular—Rocket Lab USA, AST SpaceMobile, and Intuitive Machines—are seen as strong contenders in this emerging market.
Rocket Lab USA: Expanding Capabilities
Rocket Lab USA may not be a household name, but it has been a major player in satellite launches since 2017. The company has successfully placed over 190 satellites into orbit and developed critical technology, including solar panels and radios, used in over 1,700 different satellites. It has also contributed to major projects like the James Webb Space Telescope.
While Rocket Lab has primarily focused on launching small satellites using its Electron rocket, the company is preparing to take a significant leap forward. Its upcoming Neutron rocket, set to launch next year, will be capable of medium-lift missions, allowing it to carry larger equipment and even exploration craft to destinations like Mars and Venus. The Neutron rocket’s reusability will reduce costs for both Rocket Lab and its customers, making it a viable competitor to SpaceX in the medium-lift market. The U.S. Space Force has already shown interest, providing funding to co-develop the rocket’s upper stage for national defense purposes.
AST SpaceMobile: Revolutionizing Connectivity
AST SpaceMobile is another rising star in the space industry. While still in the early stages of commercialization, the company recently launched its first commercial satellites. Unlike Rocket Lab, AST SpaceMobile focuses on providing satellite-based mobile broadband connectivity. This technology enables users to connect to the internet from anywhere in the world without relying on traditional infrastructure like cell towers.
As the world becomes increasingly connected, the demand for reliable internet access is growing. Telecom infrastructure is facing challenges, including limited radio frequencies and vulnerability to power outages. AST SpaceMobile’s satellite-based connectivity addresses these issues, offering a more robust and scalable solution. Market research suggests that this sector could grow at an average annual rate of 18% through 2032, positioning AST SpaceMobile for substantial long-term growth.
Intuitive Machines: Pioneering Lunar Exploration
Intuitive Machines is perhaps the most intriguing of the three companies due to its focus on lunar exploration. Although it is a relatively small and young company, founded in 2013, it has already secured contracts with NASA to support future Moon missions. With a market capitalization of $375 million, Intuitive Machines is helping private companies and government agencies get back to the Moon, providing technology for lunar landings, mapping, and communication satellites.
The company’s work is timely, as interest in the Moon has resurged. NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon by 2026, will rely on technology provided by Intuitive Machines. The company recently announced a $117 million contract to deliver six payloads to the Moon for NASA, underscoring its role in upcoming lunar missions. Analysts expect growing interest in lunar exploration to drive revenue growth, pushing Intuitive Machines towards profitability by 2026.
As the space industry continues to evolve, these three companies are well-positioned to capitalize on new opportunities. With expanding capabilities and increasing demand for space-related services, Rocket Lab USA, AST SpaceMobile, and Intuitive Machines are likely to be key players in the future of space exploration, offering investors a chance to tap into a trillion-dollar market.
