Space Stocks Are Taking Off - Here Are the Ones to Watch Right Now

January 6, 1:44 pm

The space sector has moved far beyond science fiction and speculative hype. In early 2026, space stocks have become one of the most aggressively followed themes in the market, driven by a rare combination of government spending, commercial adoption, and retail momentum.

What’s fueling the surge?

First, the SpaceX halo effect. With SpaceX reportedly exploring a 2026 IPO at a valuation north of $1.5 trillion, investors are actively searching public markets for companies positioned to benefit from the same long-term tailwinds: satellite deployment, launch services, orbital infrastructure, and space-based communications.

Second, defense and national security spending has accelerated sharply. Satellite resilience, missile defense, and space-based intelligence are now strategic priorities, unlocking multi-year contract pipelines for both large aerospace primes and emerging space specialists.

Third, retail momentum is playing a major role. Space stocks dominate Reddit discussions due to their narrative power, visible milestones (launches, deployments, contracts), and asymmetric upside potential—especially among smaller names.

Let's take a closer look at some of the hottest space companies right now, followed be a list of our top space (based on our AI Score) stocks right now.

The Most Talked-About Space Stocks

Rocket Lab (RKLB): The Only Public-Market Challenger at Scale

Rocket Lab has evolved from a niche launch provider into a vertically integrated space infrastructure company. Its momentum has accelerated following major defense wins and rising anticipation around Neutron, its reusable medium-lift rocket expected to debut in 2026.

The company’s ability to compete for contracts traditionally dominated by legacy defense firms has reshaped investor expectations. Among public companies, Rocket Lab is widely viewed as the closest operational alternative to SpaceX.

• Price: $86.04
• 30-Day Move: +75%
• Market Cap: ~$40.6B

AST SpaceMobile (ASTS): Turning Satellites Into Cell Towers

AST SpaceMobile is attempting something few companies have achieved: building a global cellular broadband network that works directly with standard smartphones—no special hardware required.

Following successful BlueBird satellite deployments and validation from major telecom partners, investor focus has shifted from technical feasibility to execution speed and scale. With partnerships representing billions of potential users, ASTS stands out as one of the most ambitious plays in space-based communications.

• Price: $97.54
• 30-Day Move: +32%
• Market Cap: ~$30.7B

Sidus Space (SIDU): The Retail Favorite With Explosive Momentum

Sidus Space has emerged as one of the most extreme momentum stories in the market. While still small in absolute size, its exposure to missile defense contracts and AI-driven data services has made it a magnet for high-risk, high-reward traders.

Qualification for major defense contract pools and a sharp rise in online attention have pushed SIDU into breakout territory, making it one of the fastest-moving space stocks tracked by AltIndex.

• Price: $5.14
• 30-Day Move: +595%
• Market Cap: ~$283M

Top Space Stocks Ranked

The stocks highlighted above are among the most discussed space stocks on Reddit right now. The table below ranks the top 10 space-related companies based on our AI Score, which blends traditional financial metrics with alternative data such as sentiment trends, retail interest, and underlying business momentum. Prices reflect today’s market value, with the percentage change showing performance over the past 30 days.

Company		AI Score	Price	Market Cap
	Redwire RDW	66	$10.64 +66.5%	$1.49B
	Rocket Lab RKLB	65	$86.04 +75.4%	$40.6B
	Sidus Space SIDU	62	$5.14 +594.6%	$283M
	Amprius Technologies AMPX	61	$9.18 -24.6%	$1.14B
	Raytheon Technologies RTX	59	$190.43 +11.3%	$251.1B
	Lockheed Martin LMT	55	$521.90 +15.4%	$119.4B
	AST SpaceMobile ASTS	54	$97.54 +32.0%	$30.7B
	Iridium Communications IRDM	51	$18.49 +5.1%	$1.88B
	Karman Holdings KRMN	50	$90.36 +38.1%	$10.2B
	Astronics ATRO	49	$59.47 +16.3%	$2.02B

Bottom Line

The surge in space stocks is being driven by more than speculation. While demand and customer interest has accelerated, many of the top space companies are showing clear signs of real business growth. Rising headcount, increased job postings, and sustained engagement point to companies actively scaling operations - not just riding short-term hype.

Leaders like Rocket Lab and Redwire are benefiting from expanding defense and infrastructure demand, while AST SpaceMobile continues to advance one of the most ambitious satellite communication networks in the market. Smaller names such as Sidus Space reflect how quickly momentum can build when execution and investor interest align.

With higher launch activity, growing satellite networks, and increased government spending, the space sector remains well positioned heading into 2026. AltIndex helps investors identify the strongest space stocks by combining financial data with alternative signals like hiring trends, sentiment shifts, and online momentum - highlighting where real growth is taking place.

To stay updated, visit our Best Space Stocks page, and get real-time insights into the most promising companies in this fast-growing sector.

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