SpaceX Rallied, but These 6 Space Stocks Are Still Waiting for Liftoff
SpaceX reported strong Q3 results, with shares up 8.5% over the past week. Elon Musk hinted at a potential merger with Tesla. Six space stocks identified in April have underperformed, with all six down since then. Key companies include AST SpaceMobile (ASTS), Intuitive Machines (LUNR), BlackSky (BKSY), Redwire (RDW), Planet Labs (PL), and Rocket Lab (RKLB).
How this was made
The 30-second read
Why it matters
Earnings releases provide fresh data for pricing; mixed beats and misses create divergent short‑term moves.
Market read
First‑time Q2 earnings for each firm drive sector‑specific price action; investors will re‑price based on revenue beats, loss expansions, and backlog growth.
What to watch
Potential impact of the pending SpaceX merger discussions on investor sentiment across the space industry.
Background
The article reviews Q2 results for six publicly traded space‑related companies after SpaceX’s own results and merger speculation.
Ticker impact
AST SpaceMobile Q2 revenue missed consensus and posted a large loss linked to a launch incident.
likely pressure as investors price in the missed revenue and loss.
Revenue miss and sizable loss are fresh Q2 data.
Intuitive Machines Q2 revenue grew but net loss widened, with a record backlog.
possible short-term volatility as market weighs revenue growth against widening loss.
First report of Q2 numbers shows both positive and negative elements.
BlackSky Q2 revenue beat but EPS missed consensus, with a derivatives loss.
likely modest pressure as investors focus on EPS miss.
Fresh earnings data with mixed outcomes.
Redwire Q2 revenue beat and loss per share better than estimate, backlog record high.
potential upside as market rewards beat and growing backlog.
First earnings release showing clear beat.
Planet Labs Q2 revenue beat and non‑GAAP EPS beat, posting a profit.
likely upward pressure as investors reward profit and beat.
First report of profitable quarter.
Rocket Lab Q2 revenue beat, loss per share missed slightly, record backlog.
potential upside as market focuses on backlog growth.
Fresh earnings data with strong top‑line and backlog.
Market effects
Space sector earnings mixed; only Planet Labs and Rocket Lab show strong top‑line growth, suggesting selective upside.
U.S. space‑tech stocks may see varied reactions, with profit‑makers gaining and loss‑makers pressured.
Limited to investors focused on aerospace and satellite services.
Counterpoint
Despite earnings beats, the sector may remain undervalued due to broader market risk aversion.
Key entities
- companyAST SpaceMobile
Satellite‑to‑phone connectivity provider.
- companyIntuitive Machines
Lunar lander and satellite builder.
- companyBlackSky Technology
Satellite imagery and analytics firm.
- companyRedwire
Spacecraft components and drone manufacturer.
- companyPlanet Labs
Earth‑observation data provider.
