3 No-Brainer Space Stocks to Buy Right Now for Less Than $500

Core Insights - An emerging opportunity in space exploration is attracting investor interest, particularly in companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin, although they are not publicly traded. Publicly traded companies are engaged in various projects, including lunar research and satellite networks aimed at enhancing global communications [1] Group 1: Rocket Lab USA - Rocket Lab has positioned itself as a key player in launching small satellites, with its Electron rocket being the second-most frequently used orbital rocket in the U.S. since its test launch in 2017, completing 57 missions, including 15 in 2024 [3] - The company's space systems business generated $220 million in revenue, accounting for 72$50 million and $55 million, potentially unlocking revenue and profit six times greater than Electron's [6] Group 2: Intuitive Machines - Intuitive Machines achieved a significant milestone with its IM-1 lunar mission, marking the first lunar landing by an American-made spacecraft since 1972 and the first by a commercial spacecraft [7] - Following this success, NASA awarded Intuitive Machines several contracts, including one with a maximum potential value of$4.82 billion over the next 10 years [8] - The upcoming IM-2 mission aims to analyze subsurface materials on the Moon's South Pole, which could provide insights into hydrogen levels, an important indicator of water presence [9] Group 3: AST SpaceMobile - AST SpaceMobile aims to enhance global communication by providing cellular broadband through low-Earth-orbit satellites, targeting regions lacking traditional infrastructure [12] - The company has expanded partnerships with AT&T and Verizon, successfully launching five new satellites in 2024 and planning to launch an additional 60 satellites over the next two years, with a goal of 155 satellites by 2030 [13] - Deutsche Bank analysts project AST SpaceMobile's revenue could reach $50 million by next year, grow to$1.4 billion by 2027, and soar to $5.1 billion by 2030, with expectations of becoming cash-flow-positive by 2027 [15]