Can I buy SpaceX stock?

SpaceX is a privately held company, so its shares do not trade on a public exchange. However, shares held by insiders or employees are occasionally traded in private market transactions. High-net-worth investors can buy shares in private markets. There are also some funds that hold shares in SpaceX and other private companies.

Is NASA on the stock market?

NASA is a government agency and is not on the stock market. Even if it were, NASA's mission is to fund space exploration, not turn a profit, so it would be a questionable investment. Most of NASA's budget funds private contractors, so investors can benefit from NASA's research by buying space stocks listed on this page.

What is the best space company to invest in?

For investors with a high risk tolerance and a well-diversified portfolio, a pure-play company like Rocket Lab could be an intriguing candidate for some exposure to the space economy. For those who would prefer a lower-risk option, a diversified defense contractor like Lockheed Martin, which has a space business as well as other operations, is likely a better choice.

Do space companies pay dividends?

Most of the space is pure plays, early-stage growth companies that reinvest their cash in the business and do not pay dividends. However, more established defense contractors such as Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and L3 Harris all pay dividends.

How does government policy affect space stocks?

For all the talk of the commercial space economy, governments are still the primary customer. So, changes in government policy could affect space stocks by providing more or less business if priorities shift. These changes tend to take years, however, giving investors plenty of time to react to changes in government plans.

Should I invest in early-stage space startups?

Early-stage companies tend to have a higher-than-average failure rate. Given the technical challenges of space, the winning percentage in this sector is likely to be lower than in most other sectors. Investing in early-stage space start-ups should be considered very risky and limited to a small part of an investor's total net worth.

What is the difference between aerospace and space stocks?

Aerospace is a broad term used to describe makers of flying machines of all types, including commercial airplanes. Space stocks specialize in activities beyond Earth's atmosphere and are a small part of the broader aerospace sector.

Who is leading the space industry?

SpaceX currently dominates the global space industry, responsible for more than three-quarters of U.S. orbital launches. The company leads through its reusable Falcon 9 and Starship programs, far outpacing competitors in launch frequency. Other significant entities include NASA (exploration), Blue Origin (launch systems), and Rocket Lab (small satellites).

Best Space Stocks for 2026 and How to Invest

Best Space Stocks to Buy in 2026 and How to Invest in Them

By Lou Whiteman – Updated Apr 16, 2026 at 5:30 PM EST | Fact-checked by Frank Bass

Key Points

Space stocks offer growth potential, predicted to reach a $1 trillion market by 2040.
Investing in space stocks involves high risks, including capital intensity and technology challenges.
Key players include Lockheed Martin, AST SpaceMobile, and Rocket Lab, each offering unique market positions.

Advances in technology have opened space to private companies, turning what was once a government-only arena into a fast-growing commercial industry. Today, investors can choose from defense giants, satellite operators, launch providers, and niche space-focused businesses.

And the opportunity is large. Morgan Stanley estimates the space economy could reach $1 trillion by 2040. But the risks are real. This is a capital-intensive industry with complex technology, a small customer base, and heavy reliance on government contracts.

For investors willing to accept volatility in exchange for long-term growth potential, here are some of the most compelling space stocks to invest in.

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Ticker Information Table
Name and ticker	Market cap	Dividend yield	Industry
Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT)	$140.8 billion	2.21%	Aerospace and Defense
AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ:ASTS)	$25.4 billion	0.00%	Diversified Telecommunication Services
Rocket Lab (NASDAQ:RKLB)	$41.9 billion	0.00%	Aerospace and Defense
L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX)	$66.5 billion	1.36%	Aerospace and Defense
Leidos (NYSE:LDOS)	$20.0 billion	1.04%	Professional Services

Data as of Apr 16, 2026. Showing 5 of 5 tickers.

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NYSE: LMT

Lockheed Martin

Today's Change

(-0.59%) $-3.61

Current Price

$607.49

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$141B

Day's Range

$601.41 - $613.00

52wk Range

$410.11 - $692.00

Volume

852K

Avg Vol

1.6M

Gross Margin

11.04%

Dividend Yield

2.21%

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Lockheed Martin is best known as the maker of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, but the company also has an extensive space business focused on the manufacture of satellites and missiles, as well as a massive launch business via a joint venture with Boeing (BA -2.25%).

Lockheed has historically focused on business with the Pentagon and NASA, although it also has some commercial customers. Its space unit gives it exposure to some of the fastest-growing areas of defense, including hypersonic missiles capable of traveling at more than five times the speed of sound.

Space accounts for more than 15% of Lockheed Martin's revenue.

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2. AST SpaceMobile

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NASDAQ: ASTS

AST SpaceMobile

Today's Change

(4.64%) $4.03

Current Price

$90.94

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$25B

Day's Range

$86.50 - $91.09

52wk Range

$20.26 - $129.89

Volume

18M

Avg Vol

14M

Gross Margin

-14399.31%

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AST SpaceMobile is aiming to eliminate cellular dead spots once and for all. The company has developed technology that enables our everyday mobile phones to connect to its constellation of satellites, offering global coverage even in areas without cell towers.

The company went public in a 2021 deal to merge with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) company and has made progress in the years since, demonstrating the effectiveness of its technology and signing up cellular partners. However, significant risks remain: It will cost AST tens of millions of dollars to get its fleet of satellites airborne, and it will give most mobile users more of an added bonus feature than a must-have.

AST's future is far from certain. But for the risk-tolerant investor, this stock could be a fascinating piece of a well-diversified portfolio.

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3. Rocket Lab

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NASDAQ: RKLB

Rocket Lab

Today's Change

(12.70%) $9.35

Current Price

$82.95

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$42B

Day's Range

$76.91 - $83.49

52wk Range

$18.21 - $99.58

Volume

1.3M

Avg Vol

21M

Gross Margin

31.66%

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NYSE: LHX

L3Harris Technologies

Today's Change

(-0.70%) $-2.51

Current Price

$353.41

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$66B

Day's Range

$351.71 - $358.93

52wk Range

$208.11 - $379.23

Volume

Avg Vol

1.4M

Gross Margin

22.49%

Dividend Yield

1.36%

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L3Harris (LHX -0.70%) dramatically expanded its space-based business via its 2023 acquisition of Aerojet Rocketdyne. Aerojet was one of only two U.S.-based companies that manufactured the engines needed to propel big objects into space. The other, Orbital ATK, was acquired by Northrop Grumman (NOC -0.86%) in 2018. Northrop's defense rivals are eager to have another reliable propulsion option.

L3Harris had a lot of space credentials even before the acquisition. The Harris legacy business has historically been one of the top suppliers of communications equipment to the Pentagon, from radios to satellites. Today, the company offers not only access to space but also a range of electronics, missile-warning, and space-intelligence products.

This company is the result of a series of mergers and is only now beginning to integrate all that it now owns. As it emerges, the finished product may be an attractive option for investors seeking the stability of a defense company but with a focus on defense tech and electronics.

5. Leidos Holdings

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NYSE: LDOS

Leidos

Today's Change

(-1.84%) $-2.93

Current Price

$156.11

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$20B

Day's Range

$155.97 - $160.22

52wk Range

$136.91 - $205.77

Volume

22K

Avg Vol

1.1M

Gross Margin

18.04%

Dividend Yield

1.04%

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Leidos is the largest of the so-called "Beltway Bandits," defense companies that specialize in providing IT and consulting services rather than weapons to government customers. For Leidos, this means a strong and growing business serving NASA, the Pentagon, and other agencies interested in space.

Leidos bulked up its space capabilities with its 2020 purchase of Dynetics, an engineering and consulting firm dating back to the original U.S.-Soviet space race of the 1960s and a close partner of NASA.

Today, Leidos provides a range of space-based services, including managing space missions, designing and manufacturing rocket payloads, and providing the electronics and know-how to communicate with those payloads.

How to buy space stocks

Open your brokerage account: Log in to your brokerage account where you handle your investments. If you don't have one yet, take a look at our favorite brokers and trading platforms to find the right one for you.
Search for the stock: Enter the ticker into the search bar to bring up the stock's trading page.
Decide how many shares to buy: Consider your investment goals and how much of your portfolio you want to allocate to this stock.
Select order type: Choose between a market order to buy at the current price or a limit order to specify the maximum price you're willing to pay.
Submit your order: Confirm the details and submit your buy order.
Review your purchase: Check your portfolio to ensure your order was filled as expected and adjust your investment strategy accordingly.

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Space stocks FAQ

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About the Author

Lou Whiteman is a contributing Motley Fool stock analyst covering aerospace, defense, transport, manufacturing, specialty finance, and bank stocks. Previously, Lou was a financial analyst and senior writer for TheStreet, a venture capital specialist for The Deal LLC, and a high school personal finance teacher. He holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Loyola University Maryland and completed a fellowship at the ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking.

TMFLouWhiteman

@louwhiteman

Lou Whiteman has positions in L3Harris Technologies, Leidos, Lockheed Martin, and Rocket Lab. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Boeing, L3Harris Technologies, Leidos, and Rocket Lab. The Motley Fool recommends Lockheed Martin. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Best Space Stocks to Buy in 2026 and How to Invest in Them

Key Points

Key Data Points

2. AST SpaceMobile

Key Data Points

3. Rocket Lab

Key Data Points

Key Data Points

5. Leidos Holdings

Key Data Points

How to buy space stocks

Related investing topics

Can You Invest in Blue Origin Stock in 2026?

Can You Invest in Starlink Pre-IPO? Everything You Need to Know.

Can You Invest in SpaceX Pre-IPO? Here's What You Need to Know

Best Up-and-Coming Companies to Invest in for 2026

Space stocks FAQ

Can I buy SpaceX stock?

Can I buy SpaceX stock?

Is NASA on the stock market?

Is NASA on the stock market?

What is the best space company to invest in?

What is the best space company to invest in?

Do space companies pay dividends?

Do space companies pay dividends?

How does government policy affect space stocks?

How does government policy affect space stocks?

Should I invest in early-stage space startups?

Should I invest in early-stage space startups?

What is the difference between aerospace and space stocks?

What is the difference between aerospace and space stocks?

Who is leading the space industry?

Who is leading the space industry?

About the Author

Read Next

Stocks Mentioned

Premium Investing Services

Space stocks FAQ

Can I buy SpaceX stock?

Can I buy SpaceX stock?

Is NASA on the stock market?

Is NASA on the stock market?

What is the best space company to invest in?

What is the best space company to invest in?

Do space companies pay dividends?

Do space companies pay dividends?

How does government policy affect space stocks?

How does government policy affect space stocks?

Should I invest in early-stage space startups?

Should I invest in early-stage space startups?

What is the difference between aerospace and space stocks?

What is the difference between aerospace and space stocks?

Who is leading the space industry?

Who is leading the space industry?

Can You Invest in Blue Origin Stock in 2026?

Can You Invest in Starlink Pre-IPO? Everything You Need to Know.

Can You Invest in SpaceX Pre-IPO? Here's What You Need to Know

Best Up-and-Coming Companies to Invest in for 2026

Key Data Points

1. Lockheed Martin

2. AST SpaceMobile

3. Rocket Lab

4. L3Harris

How to buy space stocks

Benefits and risks of investing in space stocks

Should you invest in space stocks?

Related investing topics

FAQ

5 top space stocks for 2026

Key Data Points

Key Data Points

Key Data Points

Key Data Points

5. Leidos Holdings