One Space Stock Outran SPCX, ASTS, RKLB And LUNR In August — BofA Says It Can Rally Another 30%

SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, aims to extend human presence beyond Earth. The company's revenue doubled last quarter, but it reported a $541M net loss. Starlink, its satellite network, is the only profitable segment. SpaceX plans to use profits from Starlink and its AI business, which has a $26.5T addressable market, to fund space exploration. According to the company, this strategy will help it scale space-based endeavors.

AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) signed a $30M contract with the U.S. Space Development Agency for the Europa Track 2 program. The deal involves using its BlueBird satellite constellation for tactical communications. Shares rose 5.6% on the news. The company plans to launch 45–60 satellites by 2026.

Intuitive Machines (LUNR) reported Q2 2026 revenue of $206.17M, up 310% YoY, and reiterated its FY26 guidance of $900M-$1B revenue with positive adjusted EBITDA. Analyst Austin Moeller maintained a Buy rating with a $39 price target, citing strong backlog growth and national security program expansion. Risks include backlog conversion timing and customer concentration.

AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) stock rose 1% overnight before reversing gains. The FCC approved a T-Mobile-Grain spectrum swap, allowing direct phone-to-satellite connectivity using 800 MHz spectrum. ASTS, which supports the deal, has 10 satellites operational and plans to test the spectrum. The company aims for nationwide 5G connectivity from space, with Block 2 satellites expected to deliver hundreds of Mbps. ASTS stock has surged 20% this week and 91% over the past year.

Rocket Lab's shares rose 4% on Wednesday, poised for a second day of gains, after securing a $266M U.S. Air Force contract for 12 suborbital launches, with options for six more. The deal, for its HASTE suborbital rocket, runs through 2028. Stifel called the award a validation of HASTE's performance, maintaining a 'Buy' rating. Piper Sandler initiated coverage with a 'Neutral' rating and $83 target, preferring AST SpaceMobile. Rocket Lab's CEO aims to launch its Neutron rocket by year-end.

Oppenheimer raised its price target for SpaceX (SPCX) to $280, citing confidence in its AI ambitions and the acquisition of Cursor. The stock closed 6.42% higher. However, SpaceX faces challenges, including high capital expenditures and potential setbacks in its AI data center build-out and partnerships. Analysts' price targets vary widely, with some bullish and others bearish.