Is NASA on the stock market?

NASA is a government agency and is not publicly traded. 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 way to gain 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 remain the primary customers. So, changes in government policy can affect space stocks by increasing or reducing business when priorities shift. These changes tend to take years; however, they give 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), privately held Blue Origin (launch systems), and Rocket Lab (small satellites).

6 Best Space Stocks for 2026 and How to Invest

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

By Lou Whiteman – Updated Oct 13, 2026 at 2:35 PM EST | Fact-checked by Frank Bass

Key Points

Space economy may reach $1 trillion by 2040, suggesting growth potential for investors.
SpaceX leads in launches with a $2.2 trillion market cap and 0.00% dividend yield.
Lockheed Martin, a diversified defense contractor, offers a 2.70% dividend yield.

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Ticker Information Table
Name and ticker	Market capMarket cap calculated using publicly traded shares outstanding only. Does not include unlisted, private, or dual-class non-traded shares. Implied market cap may vary.	Dividend yield
Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT)	$120.5 billion	2.64%
AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ:ASTS)	$12.6 billion	0.00%
Rocket Lab (NASDAQ:RKLB)	$35.4 billion	0.00%
L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX)	$44.2 billion	2.08%
Leidos (NYSE:LDOS)	$15.1 billion	1.43%
Space Exploration Technologies (NASDAQ:SPCX)	$2.1 trillion	0.00%

Data as of Oct 15, 2026. Showing 6 of 6 total entries.

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1. Lockheed Martin

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LMT Lockheed Martin

$532.64+$10.41 (+1.99%)

NYSE · As of 4:00 PM ET 10/15/26

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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 manufacturing satellites and missiles, as well as a massive launch business through a joint venture with Boeing (BA +2.20%).

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 almost 20% of Lockheed Martin's revenue.

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2. AST SpaceMobile

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ASTS AST SpaceMobile

$44.46+$2.32 (+5.50%)

NASDAQ · As of 4:00 PM ET 10/15/26

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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 satellite constellation, 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) and has since made progress, demonstrating the effectiveness of its technology and signing cellular partners. However, significant risks remain: It will cost AST tens of millions of dollars to launch its satellite fleet, and it will be seen as a bonus rather than a must-have for most mobile users.

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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RKLB Rocket Lab

$55.25-$3.93 (-6.64%)

NASDAQ · As of 4:00 PM ET 10/15/26

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Rocket Lab is another relative newcomer to public markets, having begun trading via a SPAC. The company is focused on launching small satellites into space. Still, it is investing in expanding its offerings to include larger launches and adding related services, such as satellite manufacturing and components. The goal is to be a one-stop shop for customers looking to design a satellite, launch it into space, and monitor and maintain it in orbit.

Rocket Lab is also in the process of acquiring Iridium Communications (IRDM -1.73%) for $8 billion, a deal that should provide steady cash flow from a constellation of communications satellites.

This is a competitive market, but Rocket Lab is a low-cost provider and is currently conducting commercial launches, putting it ahead of some of its would-be competitors. Space is full of risk for young companies, but Rocket Lab looks like a potential winner.

4. L3Harris

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LHX L3Harris Technologies

$240.50+$3.00 (+1.26%)

NYSE · As of 4:00 PM ET 10/15/26

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L3Harris 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 +0.80%) in 2018. Northrop's rivals in the defense industry are eager to have another reliable propulsion option.

L3Harris had many space-related 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 while focusing on defense tech and electronics.

5. Leidos Holdings

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LDOS Leidos

$124.00+$3.41 (+2.83%)

NYSE · As of 4:00 PM ET 10/15/26

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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.

6. Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX)

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SPCX Space Exploration Technologies

$148.62-$3.54 (-2.33%)

NASDAQ · As of 4:00 PM ET 10/15/26

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SpaceX made its public debut this summer and overnight became one of the largest publicly traded companies. Despite the name, space is just one part of the business, with much of the revenue and investment going to artificial intelligence and communications.

But the space segment is formidable, ranking as the largest provider of launch services by both the number of launches and the total payloads carried into space. The company's Starship rocket is poised to help it extend its lead by enabling it to launch larger payloads into orbit.

SpaceX also has a substantial backlog of business with NASA and the Pentagon.

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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Benefits and risks of investing in space stocks

Benefits:

There is the potential for exponential growth as this industry develops.
The government considers space essential, as it provides a strong foundation and reliable revenue.
Satellite communications are becoming mainstream.
Technical barriers to entry are incredibly high.

Risks:

These are capital-hungry businesses with extreme capital needs.
A single point of failure in engineering or design could wipe out years of R&D and put companies into distress.
Smaller companies must compete against SpaceX and other deep-pocketed rivals.
There is a long path to profitability for many of these businesses.
Geopolitical and regulatory hurdles could arise as space goes mainstream.

Methodology: How these stocks were chosen

This list combines young, high-growth space pure-plays and defensive legacy primes, creating a balanced risk-reward profile. Pure-play launch or satellite companies offer substantial upside but carry high execution risk. Established defense contractors provide downside protection and steady cash flow via government contracts.

Many space companies are young and speculative, so we prioritized financial health and revenue backlog. We also looked for multi-year commitments from commercial buyers and government agencies.

Should you invest in space stocks?

Space is exciting, but it's dangerous. That's also true about most of these stocks. There is amazing, world-changing potential in many of these businesses, but there's also a significant risk that one or more of them will fail to get the tech exactly right and will never live up to their potential.

For investors looking for moonshots, space stocks might be a good choice. Just understand the risks that come with charting new horizons and keep space stocks to a small, speculative part of a broad portfolio.

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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.

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@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.

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