Space commercialization trends are taking off, and investing in satellite stocks offers investors a way to profit from what could be one of the next decade's biggest tech trends. Satellite stocks are equities that give investors an ownership position in publicly traded companies with significant exposure to the satellite technologies industry.
Between consumer-focused communications companies and operators in the defense industry, satellite technologies appear poised to be a strong growth industry. In addition to investing in industrial exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that offer broad exposure to the trend, investors may want to consider adding individual stocks to their portfolios.
Best satellite stocks to buy now
1. AST SpaceMobile
NASDAQ: ASTS
Key Data Points
AST SpaceMobile (ASTS -1.22%) is a provider of space-based telecommunications services. The company's satellite network allows it to provide cellular broadband services that can be used by mobile devices without the need for hardware add-ons or modifications.
A significant portion of the world still lacks reliable cellular service, and AST's technologies are helping to address this problem. The company has signed an agreement to provide satellite communication services that will be used by Vodafone and redistributed to customers. The contract runs through 2034 and will see SpaceMobile's services distributed across more than 20 countries in Europe and Africa. Vodafone and SpaceMobile are also collaborating on a satellite system to bring cellular broadband service to India.
The company is also making its cellular broadband services available in areas that already have coverage options. Through a deal with Ligado Networks, AST has secured a license for more than 80 years of access to premium lower mid-band wireless spectrum in the U.S. and Canada.
In addition to positioning for growth opportunities in the private sector, SpaceMobile has also been scoring wins with public sector customers, nabbing a $43 million contract with the U.S. Space Development Agency in late 2024. For risk-tolerant investors seeking potentially lucrative satellite stocks, AST SpaceMobile is a top name right now.
2. BlackSky Technology
NYSE: BKSY
Key Data Points
BlackSky Technology (BKSY +4.06%) is a space-based tech company that uses satellites to provide imaging, monitoring, and analytics. The company primarily provides services to customers in the defense industry, and its satellite network and Spectra analytics software help provide key information and decision-making tools that allow for the management of key strategic locations, economic assets, and military events.
The company has been winning contracts with government customers and building its service backlog. The tech specialist's satellites already provide ultra-high-resolution imaging for active monitoring in conjunction with artificial intelligence (AI)-powered analytics, but it's not resting on its laurels.
BlackSky's subscription-based service provides customers with an all-in-one monitoring and analytics platform while setting the stage for the company to see strong recurring revenue streams. For investors seeking satellite stocks with exposure to the defense industry, BlackSky stands out as a top play.
3. Viasat
4. Redwire
NYSE: RDW
Key Data Points
Redwire (RDW +0.98%) is focused on the space economy, and it's placing some big bets on the future of satellite technologies. The company is supplying the U.S. Space Force with satellite buses and providing the Department of Defense with various space and satellite infrastructure technologies. It also provides support for multinational small satellites and mission berthing and docking.
ViaSat uses Redwire's radiofrequency (RF) antenna technology for the Link 16-capable communications satellites it supplies to the U.S. and NATO countries, and its RF antenna technologies are also used in other small satellites. The company is providing key infrastructure to support the growth of the space industry.
In addition to investments in satellite and drone technologies that are generating revenue, Redwire is also setting the stage for growth plays that could have massive long-term payoffs. It's betting that there will come a time when the components for many satellites and spacecraft are manufactured and assembled in space. While it's too early to say whether Redwire's space-manufacturing bets will pay off, the stock is a speculative play that could be a good fit for risk-tolerant investors.
5. Iridium Communications
NASDAQ: IRDM
Key Data Points
NASDAQ: GSAT
Key Data Points
NASDAQ: SATS
Key Data Points
EchoStar (SATS -8.33%) sold its spectrum licenses in late 2025 to SpaceX in a $19.6 billion deal. The spectrum sale has dramatically improved Echostar's balance sheet, and it also provided another big potential benefit to investors.
As part of the deal, EchoStar received an $8.4 billion stake in SpaceX. That means that investing in EchoStar is one of the easiest ways for retail investors to build a position in SpaceX -- a private company that is not traded on public markets.
If SpaceX's valuation continues to grow at a rapid pace, EchoStar shareholders also stand to benefit. With SpaceX potentially gearing up for a 2026 initial public offering, Echostar could benefit if the company gets a lofty valuation. In addition to this potential growth driver, EchoStar continues to own its Dish Network and Boost Mobile subsidiaries.
How to invest in satellite stocks
- Open your brokerage app: Log in to your brokerage account where you handle your investments.
- Search for the stock: Enter the ticker or company name 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.
Why invest in satellite stocks
Investing in satellite stocks offers a way to gain exposure to the rapidly unfolding space commercialization trends. Between opportunities in the consumer telecommunications space, governmental communications contracts, and defense applications, satellite companies have huge growth avenues over the next decade and beyond.
In addition to investing in individual satellite stocks, investors have the option to purchase shares of ETFs that offer broad-based exposure to the industry. While satellite ETFs may not offer the explosive upside potential of individual stocks in the category, they are investment vehicles that reduce risk through diversification and still offer opportunities to benefit from industry growth.
What to look for when investing in satellite stocks
Investors should consider a company's valuation profile, management team, recent growth, forward expansion outlook, and competitive strengths when investing in satellite stocks. Investors should also prioritize investing in companies with strong balance sheets or feasible avenues to funding operations without relying too heavily on debt, new share sales, and stock-based compensation over the long term.
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FAQ
Satellite Stock FAQ
About the Author
Keith Noonan has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple and Redwire. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
