Core Insights - The article focuses on under-the-radar stocks that may benefit from NASA's Artemis program, highlighting that smaller companies could see more significant financial impacts from contracts than larger, well-known aerospace and defense contractors [1] Group 1: Artemis Program Overview - Artemis is a long-term program aimed at returning humans to the moon and eventually exploring Mars, with Artemis III set to send humans to the lunar South Pole and Artemis IV introducing a lunar space station called Gateway, potentially launching as early as September 2028 [2][3] - The Artemis II mission is a crucial step in this program, involving a 10-day crewed flight test around the moon, with the earliest launch window opening on February 6, 2026 [4][5] Group 2: Company Profiles - **Karman Holdings**: A newly public company focused on manufacturing complex systems for aerospace and defense, recently acquiring Seemann Composites for $220 million to expand into maritime defense [6][7][8] - **MDA Space**: A mid-cap Canadian company involved in the Artemis program, supplying advanced robotics systems, including the AI-powered "Canadarm3" for the Gateway lunar space station [10][12][13] - **Graham Corp.**: A long-established small-cap company that designs critical systems for various industries, currently supplying life-support components for the Artemis III mission and experiencing significant growth with a record backlog of $500.1 million [14][15][17]

Rocket launch at coastal pad at sunset, highlighting commercial space industry growth and space stocks. Key Points Shares of Rocket Lab have fallen nearly 20% from recent record highs, following a Neutron test failure and uncertainty about its launch schedule. Neutron development remains on track, with the setback viewed as routine qualification testing. Analysts remain bullish, suggesting the sell-off may reflect short-term uncertainty and profit-taking rather than a change in the long-term outlook. ...

Rocket Lab logo billboard beside a rocket on a coastal launchpad at sunrise, highlighting the space tech boom. Key Points Retail enthusiasm and Wall Street research are converging around space technology stocks in 2026. Rocket Lab and AST SpaceMobile sit at the center of the momentum, but each carries very different risk. For broader exposure with less single-event volatility, a space-focused ETF can offer a more balanced approach. Interested in Procure Space ETF? Here are five stocks we like better. ...

Core Viewpoint - Elon Musk predicts that space-based industries will surpass the value of all terrestrial industries combined, emphasizing the vast potential of harnessing solar energy from space [2]. Group 1: Space Industry Valuation - Musk stated that SpaceX is more valuable than all six major US defense companies combined, highlighting the growing significance of the space sector [2]. - He believes that space-based industries could reach a total valuation of $100 trillion, with plans for lunar factories and orbital data centers for AI [3]. Group 2: Energy Potential - Musk argues that even if humanity could harness 100,000 times more solar energy than what is available on Earth, it would still represent less than a millionth of the Sun's total energy output, indicating the immense energy potential in space [2]. Group 3: Criticism and Market Sentiment - James Chanos, a notable short-seller, criticized Musk's comments, suggesting that the total addressable market (TAM) for space companies is theoretically infinite, which he views with skepticism [4].

Core Insights - Rocket Lab has shown significant stock performance, with a 360% increase in 2024 and 174% in 2025, turning a $10,000 investment three years ago into $186,880 [2] - The Defiance Drone and Modern Warfare ETF (JEDI) is recommended as a better investment option, providing exposure to Rocket Lab and other companies in related industries [3][15] Company Overview - Rocket Lab specializes in launch services, rockets, space vehicles, and satellite equipment, becoming a key player in both U.S. and international space programs [2] - The company has secured substantial contracts, including an $816 million contract for missile-tracking satellites and a $515 million contract for a satellite communications network for the U.S. military [12] ETF Details - The JEDI ETF focuses on companies involved in military drones, AI-driven warfare, space products, military robotics, and cybersecurity, with at least 50% of revenue coming from these sectors [5] - Rocket Lab is the top holding in the JEDI ETF, accounting for 8.66% of the fund, which includes 26 stocks with a maximum 10% weighting per stock to ensure diversification [6][7] Performance Metrics - The JEDI ETF has shown strong performance, with Rocket Lab's one-year performance at 180.8%, while other top holdings like Saab AB and Kratos Defense have outperformed Rocket Lab [7][8] - The ETF's expense ratio is 0.69%, which is considered reasonable given the potential returns [15] Market Context - The U.S. defense budget is projected to increase from $900 billion in 2026 to $1.5 trillion in 2027, contributing to the profitability of Rocket Lab and other companies within the JEDI ETF [14]

Company Developments - Blue Origin, owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, announced plans for a new satellite constellation named TeraWave, consisting of 5,408 satellites aimed at enhancing space-based communication capabilities [3][4] - TeraWave is set to target data centers, enterprise users, and government clients, with a planned deployment in the fourth quarter of 2027, offering data speeds of up to 6 terabits per second [5][6] Competitive Landscape - Amazon has its own satellite venture called Leo, previously known as Project Kuiper, which may indicate potential mergers or partnerships in the future [4] - The primary competitor for Blue Origin's TeraWave is Starlink, founded by Elon Musk, which currently operates 9,000 satellites and has doubled its customer base to 9 million active subscribers over the past year [4][5] - Starlink primarily serves the mass market with internet and phone services, while TeraWave is designed for high-capacity data transmission [5] Technology and Infrastructure - TeraWave will utilize a hybrid network of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites, employing infrared lasers for secure, high-bandwidth data transmission without the need for spectrum licenses [6][7]

Jeff Bezos holds the aviation glasses that belonged to Amelia Earhart as he speaks during a press conference about his flight on Blue Origin’s New Shepard into space on July 20, 2021 in Van Horn, Texas.Jeff Bezos' space venture Blue Origin announced Wednesday it plans to deploy 5,408 satellites in space for a communications network that will take on SpaceX and Amazon. The network, called TeraWave, is targeted for enterprise, data center and government users. The company said it will provide data speeds of " ...

INVESTOR ALERT: Pomerantz Law Firm Investigates Claims On Behalf of Investors of AST SpaceMobile, In, Jan. 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (“AST” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: ASTS). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980. The investigation concerns whether AST and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business ...

Core Insights - Ark Invest has introduced its "big ideas" for 2026 through a series of custom images called "ARKmoji," inviting followers to interpret the themes behind each image [1][2] Group 1: AI Agents - The first ARKmoji represents agentic AI, with user interpretations divided among AI Agent Takeover (37.5%), AI Consumer Op System (32.2%), and Build-Your-Own-Agent (25.7%) [3] - Relevant holdings in Ark's portfolio include Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:PLTR), Tempus AI Inc. (NASDAQ:TEM), and Shopify Inc. (NASDAQ:SHOP) [3] Group 2: Genomics - The second ARKmoji, depicting a DNA helix, suggests a focus on genomics, with votes split among molecular diagnostics (34.7%), aging backwards (21.3%), multiomics (25.2%), and the software layer of biology (18.8%) [4] - Key stocks in this area include Crispr Therapeutics AG (NASDAQ:CRSP), 10x Genomics Inc. (NASDAQ:TXG), and Illumina Inc. (NASDAQ:ILMN) [4] Group 3: The Space Race - The third ARKmoji features a rocket, with 55% of users voting for reusable rockets, while 27.5% favored the broader theme of "The Space Race" [5] - Holdings in this sector are primarily found in Ark's Space & Defense Innovation ETF (BATS:ARKX), including Rocket Lab Corp. (NASDAQ:RKLB), Iridium Communications Inc. (NASDAQ:IRDM), and Intuitive Machines Inc. (NASDAQ:LUNR) [5] Group 4: Cryptocurrencies / Tokenization - The fourth ARKmoji shows a dollar note on a blockchain, indicating a focus on cryptocurrencies and tokenization, with 36.1% voting for cryptocurrencies and 41.1% for tokenization [6][7] - Relevant stocks include Coinbase Global Inc. (NASDAQ:COIN), BitMine Immersion Technologies Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:BMNR), Bullish (NYSE:BLSH), and Robinhood Markets Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD) [7] Group 5: Robotics - The fifth ARKmoji, depicting a robot, received 59% of votes for "Robotics," while 25.6% chose "I, Robot" [8] - Prominent holdings in this theme include Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA), Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ:KTOS), and AeroVironment Inc. (NASDAQ:AVAV) [8] Group 6: The Great Acceleration - The final ARKmoji shows a cluster of arrows, suggesting exponential growth, with "The Great Acceleration" receiving 55.8% of votes, followed by "S-Curves Feeding S-Curves" at 26% [9] - The specific stock or idea related to this theme remains unclear, but it may involve the convergence of various technologies and ideas [10]

Summary of Space Technology Industry Conference Call Industry Overview - The Space Technology industry is viewed as Attractive for 2026, with favorable trends from 2025 expected to continue [1][4][8] - The industry experienced record launch activity in 2025, with over 315 successful launches, representing a year-over-year increase of over 20% [3][20] - Significant growth in large constellations, including Amazon's Leo and SpaceX's Starlink, was noted [3] Key Companies and Ratings Changes - **Rocket Lab USA Inc (RKLB)**: Upgraded to Overweight (OW) from Equal-weight (EW) with a price target (PT) increase from $67 to $105, driven by improved risk-reward dynamics and a strong catalyst path [7][44] - **MDA Space Ltd (MDA)**: Upgraded to OW from EW with a PT increase from C$32 to C$46, reflecting a favorable valuation and growth potential [7][13] - **Iridium Communications Inc (IRDM)**: Downgraded to EW from OW with a PT decrease from $37 to $24 due to expected uncertainty amid strategic pivots [7][62] - **Firefly Aerospace Inc (FLY)**: PT raised from $27 to $33, with expectations for significant launches in 2026 [7][39] - **Viasat Inc (VSAT)**: PT increased from $12 to $51, reflecting a shift in valuation methodology [7][61] - **Gogo Inc (GOGO)**: PT lowered from $15 to $8, anticipating a low-growth year [7][11] Market Dynamics - The convergence of Space and Defense markets is expected to continue, with potential for significant contracts related to the Golden Dome initiative [8][19] - Geopolitical tensions, particularly between the US and China, are driving interest in sovereign solutions, benefiting commercial space companies [3][8] - The Direct-to-Device (D2D) market is maturing, with expectations for new services and spectrum scarcity to remain a focus [16] Launch Market Insights - The launch market is characterized by a few proven players, with RKLB expected to increase its launch cadence significantly in 2026 [10][35] - RKLB aims for 28 launches in 2026, up from 21 in 2025, while FLY is targeting 6 launches, a significant increase from 1 in 2025 [10][39] Competitive Landscape - The competitive landscape is shifting, with new entrants and established players facing pressure from emerging technologies and services [58] - IRDM is pivoting to address competition from LEO-based offerings, particularly from SpaceX's Starlink, which has led to a strategic shift and increased execution risk [62][67] - GOGO is also facing competitive pressures, particularly from NetJets' plans to implement Starlink [59] Financial Performance and Projections - The Space industry is expected to see continued growth, with RKLB projecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 40% through 2030 [56] - VSAT's stock performance was notably strong in 2025, driven by contract wins and a positive market reception [57] - The overall sentiment in the market is cautious, with some companies facing significant challenges amid competitive pressures and strategic pivots [62][68] Conclusion - The Space Technology industry is positioned for growth in 2026, with several companies receiving upgrades based on favorable market conditions and strategic developments. However, challenges remain, particularly for companies like IRDM and GOGO, which are navigating increased competition and strategic shifts.