Core Insights - AST SpaceMobile, Rocket Lab, and Boeing are identified as key space stocks to monitor, reflecting significant trading activity in the sector [2] Company Summaries - AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) is involved in satellite manufacturing and services, focusing on space-based communications [3] - Rocket Lab (RKLB) provides launch services and space systems solutions, including spacecraft design, manufacturing, and on-orbit management [4] - Boeing (BA) designs and manufactures a wide range of aerospace products, including commercial jetliners, military aircraft, and satellites, operating through various segments [4]

Industry Overview - Space stocks have experienced significant gains at the start of 2026, with several companies posting double-digit increases year-to-date, driven by support from the Trump administration, technical achievements, and a potential SpaceX IPO [1] AST SpaceMobile – ASTS - AST SpaceMobile shares have consolidated near all-time highs of $91–$100 after a 260% rally in 2025, gaining 28% year-to-date, although some analysts have issued a bearish outlook due to extreme valuation multiples [2] Rocket Lab – RKLB - Rocket Lab has shown strong bullish momentum, with a 65% surge in late 2025, reaching around $85 in early January 2026, and gaining over 20% in 2026, approaching a price target of $90 set by Needham [3][4] Starfighters Space – FJET - Starfighters Space shares have increased by 20% in 2026, driven by successful supersonic flight tests and support from a space superiority executive order from President Trump [5] Virgin Galactic – SPCE - Virgin Galactic has had a slow start in 2026, with shares down about 1% year-to-date, as investors await the company's ability to meet its 2026 target for scaled commercial service amid cautious ratings from analysts [6] Firefly Aerospace – FLY - Firefly Aerospace shares are up 34% in 2026, despite trading below the $45 debut price, as investors look forward to the Blue Ghost Mission 2 lunar landing and the development of the medium-lift Eclipse rocket [7] Intuitive Machines – LUNR - Intuitive Machines shares have risen 17% year-to-date, trading above $19, fueled by speculation around a $4.6 billion NASA lunar terrain vehicle contract, although facing short-term volatility due to a recent downgrade [9][10] Planet Labs – PL - Planet Labs shares have gained 27% in 2026, partly due to a multi-year satellite services agreement with Sweden for satellite and data solutions [11]

Core Insights - AST SpaceMobile has signed agreements with over 50 mobile network operators, indicating strong industry partnerships and potential market reach [1] - The company is set to launch its next-generation satellites on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in its operational timeline [1] Company Summary - AST SpaceMobile is focused on developing satellite technology aimed at enhancing mobile network capabilities [1] - The upcoming satellite launch is expected to play a crucial role in the company's strategy to provide global mobile connectivity [1] Industry Summary - The mobile network operator sector is increasingly looking towards satellite technology to improve service coverage and connectivity [1] - The collaboration between AST SpaceMobile and multiple operators highlights a growing trend in the industry towards leveraging satellite solutions for mobile communications [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the potential of space stocks, particularly AST SpaceMobile, amidst the rising interest in various technology themes [1] Company Summary - AST SpaceMobile is identified as a key player in satellite connectivity, which may be overlooked due to the focus on other technology sectors [1]

Core Insights - The space sector is currently in focus due to the nomination of Jared Isaacman as NASA Administrator and the earnings season for commercial space companies [2][3]. Company Updates - **Redwire Corp. (NYSE:RDW)**: Shares fell after missing Q3 expectations on both revenue and earnings. CEO Peter Cannito noted progress in transforming Redwire into a scalable growth platform [4]. - **BlackSky Technology, Inc. (NYSE:BKSY)**: Shares declined despite a narrower EPS loss than expected, as the company missed Q3 revenue estimates. CEO Brian O'Toole highlighted strong international demand, securing over $60 million in new contracts [5]. - **Rocket Lab Corp. (NASDAQ:RKLB)**: Successfully completed its 74th Electron mission, deploying a satellite for Japan's iQPS. The company is set to report Q3 results, with analysts expecting a loss of $0.10 per share and revenue of $151.75 million [6][7]. - **AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTS)**: Expected to report Q3 results with anticipated losses of $0.22 per share and revenue of $19.93 million, following a modest $1.16 million in earnings in Q2 [8]. - **Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:SPCE)**: Set to release its Q3 earnings report, with analysts forecasting losses of $1.44 per share and revenue of $395,830 [9].

Core Viewpoint - BlackSky Technology reported worse-than-expected losses and missed revenue forecasts, leading to a 5.5% drop in stock price [1][8]. Financial Performance - BlackSky's losses amounted to $0.44 per share, exceeding analyst expectations of $0.35 per share, with revenue reported at $19.6 million, significantly below the forecast of $29 million [1][3]. - Year-over-year sales declined by 13%, and sales growth for the year to date is negative, indicating a troubling trend for a growth stock [3]. - Quarterly losses increased by 21%, and negative free cash flow has quadrupled to $19 million for the year [3]. Business Outlook - CEO Brian E. O'Toole highlighted strong international demand for space-based intelligence solutions, with $60 million in new contract awards and a $323 million contracted backlog [4]. - The book-to-bill ratio exceeded 3 for the quarter, suggesting potential improvement in sales growth in future quarters [5]. - Analysts predict that BlackSky may not achieve profitability until 2027, with positive free cash flow not expected before 2028 [6][8]. Investment Considerations - BlackSky Technology was not included in a list of the top 10 stocks recommended by analysts, indicating a lack of confidence in its immediate investment potential [7].