The most anticipated IPO of the decade is happening. SpaceX recently confidentially filed to go public, and its valuation could exceed $2 trillion by the time of the IPO. Investor and public interest in space is high right now, which suggests SpaceX's IPO will have a ripple effect. Two beneficiaries of this enthusiasm are likely to be Rocket Lab (RKLB +16.23%) and Planet Labs (PL +15.39%).
NASDAQ: RKLB
Key Data Points
The SpaceX IPO is a milestone for the burgeoning space economy. As immense amounts of capital flow into these nascent economic and cosmic endeavors, money will naturally flow to competitors and adjacent companies.
Rocket Lab is taking off
Rocket Lab is a vertically integrated, end-to-end space company. It posted record revenue in 2025, reaching $602 million and growing 38% year over year. Proving that space enthusiasm is not just a trend but also moneymaking, Rocket Lab's backlog also exploded to $1.85 billion, a 73% year-over-year increase. Rocket Lab's stock has risen more than 370% in the past 12 months.
Image source: Getty Images.
Planet Labs has a lucrative view from space
Planet Labs is a bit different in what it offers. The Earth-observation category has many applicable use cases across business, government, and research. The company's high-frequency imaging and data analytics are widely useful and commercially viable. Planet Labs has a massive backlog and growing revenue as well. For fiscal year 2026, Planet Labs achieved record revenue of $306 million and saw its backlog grow 79% to $900 million.
Planet Lab's stock has risen more than 100% since the start of 2026.
NYSE: PL
Key Data Points
The commercial space industry is really beginning to take shape, and SpaceX won't be the only winner. Well-positioned companies like Rocket Lab and Planet Labs could see their stocks launch higher. Both companies are far more than cool science projects. They are innovative businesses for a future no longer beholden to gravity.
