The space industry has seen rapid growth recently and continues to have a strong long-term expansion outlook, and investing in rocket stocks could be a way for investors to profit from the trend. While there are publicly traded companies that have decades of experience in rocketry, there has also been a rise in pure-play rocket and space-technology companies aiming to meet new demand for commercial and defense-related launches.
Best rocket stocks
Best rocket stocks to buy now
Companies 1 - 2
1. Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab (RKLB -1.4%) is a provider of rocket launching services. The aerospace service provider launches satellites and other technologies for both public and private sector customers, and it's seeing encouraging growth as the space industry continues to rapidly evolve.
The launch services specialist is expanding through internal initiatives and acquisitions, and it's building an impressive track record of successful launches. The rocket-launching specialist has won contracts with public organizations including NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA), as well as companies including Planet Labs (PL -2.85%) and BlackSky Technology (BKSY -3.65%). Between its opportunities to continue providing launch services for telecommunications and satellite imaging providers in the private sector and a promising outlook in both public and private defense categories, Rocket Lab stock stands out as an investment opportunity that's worth keeping an eye on for investors seeking exposure to the space industry
2. Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin (LMT 0.29%) has been a leader of the U.S. aerospace and defense industry for decades. The company provides technologies and services to the U.S. Department of Defense and NASA, in addition to agencies from other governments around the world. The company's space segment is one of its four major divisions. For investors seeking diversified, well-established aerospace plays with exposure to growth in the rocket industry, Lockheed Martin could be a good portfolio addition.
The company has supported all 22 of NASA's Mars missions, and it's poised to play a major role in the agency's next big space exploration moves. Lockheed is the primary builder of NASA's Orion spacecraft for space exploration and a key contractor in the Artemis program to build facilities on the surface of the moon in preparation for travel to Mars.
Lockheed has been contracted to help build at least six of the Orion spacecraft and could wind up producing as many as 12 of the craft for NASA. The company is also designing the first rocket to ever be launched from the surface of Mars. Lockheed Martin's diversified leadership across multiple segments of the defense and aerospace industry makes its stock a good pick for investors seeking relatively low-risk plays in the rocket industry.
Companies 3 - 4
3. L3Harris Technologies
L3Harris Technologies (LHX -1.44%) is an aerospace and defense company that has played a role in nearly every major U.S. space and missile program. The company designs and manufactures engines and other related components that make rocket launches possible. It also manufactures hypersonic propulsion systems and solid rocket engines that are used in missile systems. In addition to rocket-related technologies, L3Harris also operates in the communications-systems-technologies and integrated-mission-systems categories.
In 2023, the company completed its acquisition of Aerojet Rocketdyne -- a move that further strengthened its position in the rocketry industry. Aerojet now operates as a business segment within L3Harris and develops rocket propulsion and energetics technologies, and it's currently working on projects including providing engines and other propulsion technologies for the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion spacecraft as part of the U.S.'s Artemis program.
4. Voyager Technologies
Voyager Technologies is a fast-growing player in the space and defense industries. The company had its initial public offering (IPO) in June 2025 and rocketed out of the gate, thanks to expectations that its strong tech foundations would allow the business to be a major beneficiary of space commercialization.
The company designs propulsion systems used in space operation payloads and missile interception systems. In addition to propulsion systems, the company also makes airlocks for spacecraft and space stations, systems for improving and sustaining the health of astronauts in space, and diagnostic and monitoring technologies.
Lockheed Martin has partnered with Voyager for use of its propulsion and optical guidance systems, and the tech specialist has won contracts with U.S. defense agencies and NASA. Along with Airbus (EADSY -1.19%), Mitsubishi, and MDA Space, Voyager is also a key partner in the development of the U.S.'s Starlab space station.
ETFs
Rocket ETFs
- ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX 0.83%) is an actively managed exchange-traded fund (ETF) from Ark Invest that holds more than 30 stocks with exposure to space industry trends.
- Procure ETF Trust II - Procure Space ETF (UFO -0.9%) is an ETF that includes more than 40 stocks and aims to replicate the composition and performance of the S-Network Space Index.
- SPDR S&P Kensho Final Frontiers (ROKT -0.08%) is an ETF that holds more than 30 stocks with space industry exposure and is constructed to mirror the composition and performance of the S&P Kensho Final Frontiers index.
Related investing topics
Investing in rocket stocks
The commercialization of space appears to be a trend that is still in the very early phases of unfolding, and investing in rocket stocks could be a good way for investors to gain exposure to potentially massive growth opportunities. Between growth for satellite-based internet and communications services for the consumer market and rising defense-related applications, the space industry looks poised to continue expanding at a rapid pace. With a promising outlook for satellite launches and space-station construction and maintenance, there is a promising demand picture for rocket-launch services and related technologies over the next decade and beyond.
Investing in individual industrial stocks with strengths in rocket technologies could allow investors to profit from space commercialization trends. Investors can also gain broad-based exposure to the space industry by investing in industrial ETFs.
FAQ
Rocket Stock FAQs
Are rocket stocks a good investment?
Pure-play rocket stocks can be a good investment for growth-oriented investors with above-average tolerance for risk. Companies in this category are typically smaller and offer greater return potential
In addition to investing in rocket stocks, investors may want to look into satellite companies and other space stocks in order to get broader exposure to related growth trends.
What is the 7% rule in stocks?
The 7% rule in stocks is an investment strategy that involves selling a position in a company when its share price falls 7% from the initial purchasing price. By employing this strategy, investors can minimize the potential downside of an investment. Setting a stop-loss through your brokerage platform makes it possible for the sale of a stock to happen automatically when it falls a certain amount.
Is SpaceX publicly traded?
SpaceX is not a publicly traded company, which means that it is not possible to purchase its stock on the open market. SpaceX is also not directly connected to Tesla, which is another company led by CEO Elon Musk. Buying Tesla stock will not give investors a position in SpaceX, and there is currently no way for retail investors to buy shares of the rocket company.
Should I invest in rocket stocks?
Investors should consider their own personal risk tolerance and targeted returns when determining whether or not to invest in rocket stocks. The rocket industry comes with a lot of growth potential, but many companies in the space also come with high risk profiles because of their speculative outlooks. Investing in companies that have diversified operations in addition to their positions in the rocketry and space commercialization fields can be a way to minimize risk, but these stocks may also offer smaller upside potential.
