While some people are content to watch the stars from Earth, some companies are committed to literally bringing people closer to them. Axiom Space is working to construct the first commercial space station, leading some space enthusiasts to consider buying Axiom Space stock.
Once the stuff of science fiction, space business is booming -- and it's expected to continue doing so for many years. Business research firm McKinsey, for example, estimates that the valuation of the global space economy will soar from about $630 billion in 2023 to $1.8 trillion in 2035.
Distinguishing itself in 2020 as the only company with permission to attach a commercial module to the International Space Station, Axiom Space received an award from NASA for a contract valued at as much as $160 million to supply at least one habitable commercial module. In late 2024, Axiom Space reported that it had redesigned its module to facilitate its commercial space station, Axiom Station, to become an independent orbital platform as soon as 2028.
Is Axiom Space publicly traded?
As of March 2025, Axiom Space was a private company. Consequently, most retail investors hoping to procure a position in the company must seek other possibilities. Although it's not available in public markets, Axiom Space has completed several funding rounds to raise capital.
In 2023, the company reported that it secured $350 million during a Series C round of funding. With this round of funding complete, Axiom Space has raised more than $505 million from a variety of investors.
When will Axiom Space IPO?
Although there may be a number of investors interested in venturing into the final frontier with Axiom Space stock, the company hasn't disclosed any plans regarding a public offering as of March 2025 about holding an initial public offering (IPO). Although investors may be disappointed to find that Axiom Space isn't on the IPO calendar, there's a variety of other businesses intending to debut on public markets for the first time in 2025, providing investors with numerous options to buy IPO stocks.
How to buy Axiom Space stock?
The majority of individuals will find their hopes grounded when they discover that picking up shares of Axiom Space isn't a viable option. Those who qualify as accredited investors, however, may be able to gain a position in Axiom Space through platforms like Forge Global (FRGE -10.75%) and Hiive.
Despite its lack of availability on public markets, investors who don't qualify as accredited investors have other opportunities to gain exposure to space stocks.
1. Rocket Lab
From providing launch services to supplying satellites and spacecraft components, Rocket Lab (RKLB -7.47%) has emerged as a leading opportunity for those seeking exposure to the space economy. The company's Electron rocket is the second-most frequently launched U.S. rocket, and it will soon expand its ability to provide space access with the Neutron rocket, which is capable of satellite constellation deployment, deep space missions, and human space flight.
Rocket Lab turned in an impressive financial performance in 2024. The company reported record annual revenue of $436.2 million, a 78% year-over-year increase. It also expanded its profitability on a gross profit basis, reporting a 2024 gross profit margin of 26.6% compared to 20% in 2023.
Entering 2025 with a $1.07 billion backlog, Rocket Lab is clearly in high demand, making it a stellar choice for those interested in space stocks.
2. Planet Labs
With about 200 satellites in orbit, Planet Labs (PL -3.18%) has gained global recognition for its ability to provide industry-leading satellite imaging, securing more than 1,000 customers from both the public and private sectors. In the third quarter of 2025, the defense and intelligence sector accounted for about 47% of the company's revenue, while civil government and commercial customers represented 30% and 23% of revenue, respectively.
While it had already provided advanced imaging capabilities, the company wasn't content to rest on its laurels. In early 2025, Planet Labs launched the Pelican-2 -- the first of several planned Pelican satellite launches -- which is built on the Nvidia (NVDA -0.61%) Jetson platform to offer advanced computing capability. When the constellation of Pelican satellites is deployed, it will provide customers with high-resolution imaging in real time.
3. MDA Space
Since space companies operate in a burgeoning industry, they are often more speculative investments -- but then, there's MDA Space (OTC:MDAL.F), a leader in the development of communications satellites as well as space exploration and infrastructure. Founded in 1969, MDA Space is a mature business that provides a more conservative approach for those looking to mitigate risk.
Unlike space upstarts that are progressing toward profitability, MDA Space is already there. The company reported earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) of $222.8 million CAD in 2024, a year-over-year improvement of 46.6%. Plus, it's not in financial distress due to a debt-laden balance sheet. At the end of 2024, the company had a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.10.
Accredited investors may access platforms that provide them an opportunity to buy pre-IPO stocks, but retail investors who aren't accredited and find themselves interested in buying shares of one of these stocks only have to take a few simple steps to become shareholders:
1) Open your brokerage app. Log into your brokerage account where you handle your investments.
2) Search for the stock. Enter the ticker or company name into the search bar to bring up the stock's trading page.
3) Decide how many shares to buy. Consider your investment goals and how much of your portfolio you want to allocate to this stock.
4) 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.
5) Submit your order. Confirm the details and submit your buy order.
6) Review your purchase. Check your portfolio to ensure your order was filled as expected, and adjust your investment strategy accordingly.
Is Axiom Space profitable?
Unlike public companies that are required to regularly submit financial filings, privately-held companies like Axiom Space aren't held to the same standard, so investors don't have any insight into the company's financial health. That could change if the management decides to proceed with an IPO. If this occurs, Axiom Space will be required to submit Form S-1, at which point investors will have a better sense of the company's financial well-being.
Should I invest in Axiom Space?
Unlisted on major markets because it hasn't held an IPO, Axiom Space isn't an investment option for most retail investors interested in space stocks. If management decides to move forward with an IPO, investors will have a better understanding of the company's financial health after it submits the necessary regulatory filings, and they will then be able to determine if the stock is an appropriate choice.
Accredited investors may be able to presently gain exposure to Axiom Space but must exercise considerable caution since the company's financial situation is unclear, making it an option for those with high thresholds for risk.
ETFs with exposure to Axiom Space
Since Axiom Space isn't publicly traded, it's ineligible for inclusion in exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Still, ETF-focused investors aren't completely out of options.
- Ark Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX -3.29%): From launch services provider Rocket Lab to advanced aerospace companies like Archer Aviation (ACHR -4.82%), the Ark Space Exploration & Innovation ETF is a great option for investors looking for exposure to the wild blue yonder and beyond. Led by Cathie Wood, the fund, which has about $289 million in net assets, typically has between 35 and 55 holdings, and it currently has an expense ratio of 0.75%.
- SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR -2.59%): Those interested in keeping the management fees to a minimum will find the SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF, which provides exposure to the aerospace and defense industry, an attractive choice with its 0.35% expense ratio. With a 4.8% weighting, Rocket Lab is the largest holding in the fund, while aerospace stalwarts Boeing (BA -0.31%) and TransDigm Group (TDG -1.13%) round out the top three positions.
The bottom line on Axiom Space
Striving to facilitate a greater human presence in space, Axiom Space has received growing attention from those looking to invest in the nascent space economy. But because the company isn't listed on major exchanges, it's likely too far out of reach for the majority of investors. They'll have to be content with watching the company's progress and hoping for management to pursue an IPO before they can reach for the stars with Axiom Space stock.
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