Oct 30, 2024
 in 
Investing

Blast Off! Investment Opportunities in the Space Industry

When we think about the space industry, our minds often wander to far-off galaxies, rocket launches, and possibly a future vacation to Mars (fingers crossed!). But here’s the thing: the space industry is no longer just the domain of astronauts and science fiction - it’s a serious investment opportunity for people like you and me. Whether you're fascinated by the vast potential of satellite technology or intrigued by the thrill of commercial space travel, the space industry offers a universe of possibilities for investors.

Ready to take your portfolio into orbit? Let’s explore some of the most exciting opportunities for investing in space!

The Satellite Sector: The Silent Heroes of Space 🛰️

When we talk about space investments, it’s not just about rockets and moon landings. Satellites play a massive role in our everyday lives, from GPS navigation to internet connectivity. In fact, the global satellite market is booming, and you can tap into it with a range of investment opportunities.

Here are some key players in the satellite sector that you might want to keep on your radar (pun intended):

  • ViaSat Inc
    ViaSat is a big player in satellite communications, providing high-speed satellite internet, military communications, and secure networking systems. At the time of writing in October 2024, ViaSat stock is a ‘Buy’ and might increase in price by a whopping 174.55% over the next year according to analysts. 
  • Iridium Communications Inc
    Known for its global satellite network, Iridium is famous for its satellite phones and data services. The company has 66 active satellites in orbit, offering coverage for mobile communications in remote and rugged areas, where traditional networks can’t reach. This stock is also currently ranked as a ‘Buy’ and its price might go up by 25.91% in the next 12 months. 
  • Trimble Navigation Limited
    Although it may not be as well-known as some of the others, Trimble is an essential part of the satellite ecosystem. It develops advanced positioning technologies, including Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers and scanners used in a range of industries. Their products make use of satellite data for precise, real-time location tracking, making Trimble an interesting investment for those interested in satellite tech applications beyond just communication. Trimble is currently considered to be a ‘Buy’ and might increase in price by 15.28% in the next year.

Spacecrafts: The Heavy Lifters 🚀

Now let’s talk about the more glamorous side of the space industry - spacecraft. From launching satellites to landing on the moon, these companies are the ones actually building the machines that get us up there. If you’re looking for investment opportunities in this area, there’s no shortage of big-name players.

Here’s a breakdown of some spacecraft companies that are leading the charge:

  • Lockheed Martin Corporation
    A titan in the defence and aerospace industries, Lockheed Martin is at the forefront of space exploration. They’ve partnered with NASA on missions like the Orion spacecraft, which is designed to take humans deeper into space. 
  • Northrop Grumman
    Another major player in defence and aerospace, Northrop Grumman is heavily involved in spacecraft design and production. They’re responsible for creating the Cygnus spacecraft, which regularly delivers cargo to the International Space Station (ISS).
  • L3Harris Technologies Inc
    This company is an expert in communication and avionics, providing the technology that keeps spacecraft connected and running smoothly. They also play a significant role in defence systems and satellite communications. We wanted to highlight that at the time of writing, L3Harris is currently considered to be a ‘Buy’, although its potential growth in value over the next year might be modest, at 2.30%.
  • AeroVironment Inc
    Known for its expertise in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), AeroVironment is also venturing into space-related technologies. They’ve been involved in the Mars Helicopter Ingenuity project in which a light autonomous aircraft flew around the surface of the planet, getting some amazing new images of Mars. Pretty cool, right?
  • Boeing
    You might know Boeing as the aeroplane manufacturer, but they’re also a key player in space exploration. They’ve been building spacecraft for NASA for decades, including the Space Launch System (SLS), the most powerful rocket ever built. Boeing is deeply involved in both the military and civilian space industries. At the time of writing, Boeing is a ‘Buy’, predicted to increase in value by 45.60% in the next year. 
  • RTX Corp
    Formerly known as Raytheon Technologies, RTX Corp has a history of aerospace innovation. Fun fact: they designed the space suits worn by astronauts on the Apollo missions, including the suits that went to the moon! Their space division is still actively involved in creating technology for modern space exploration.

Commercial Space Travel: The Final Frontier for Tourists? 🌌

Ever dreamt of going to space? Well, commercial space travel is closer than ever to becoming a reality. Several companies are working hard to make space tourism an exciting (and accessible) adventure for thrill-seekers, and this is a growing area of investment.

Here are a couple of companies leading the charge:

  • Rocket Lab USA
    Rocket Lab specialises in small satellite launches and is known for its innovative Electron rocket. They’re making space more accessible by focusing on frequent and affordable satellite launches, and they’re gaining a lot of momentum in the private space industry. 
  • Virgin Galactic
    Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic is all about making space tourism a reality. They’re focused on suborbital flights that will take tourists to the edge of space, offering a few minutes of weightlessness and a killer view of Earth. This might be a major revenue stream if space tourism really takes off in the coming years. Analysts think this stock might increase by a huge 590.39% in the next year. 

The Behind-the-Scenes Businesses: Supporting the Space Industry 🔧

Not every company in the space sector is sending rockets into the sky or building satellites. There are also some crucial behind-the-scenes players that keep the industry running smoothly. These companies supply the tools, tech, and support services that the big names rely on.

Check out this standout company that supports the space industry in important ways:

  • Teradyne
    Teradyne is a leading provider of automated test equipment used to test aircraft, missiles, satellites, and other technologies critical to space exploration and defence. Think of them as the quality-control experts ensuring that all the high-tech equipment that goes into space is top-notch. Right now, Teradyne stock is a ‘Buy’ according to analysts, who think this stock might get a slight boost in value in the next year, of 1.25%.

Conclusion: The Space Investment Boom is Just Beginning 🌟

The space industry is vast, complex, and absolutely bursting with potential. And the best part? You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to get involved. By investing through apps like Nemo Money, you can start building your space portfolio today, whether you’re focused on steady satellite growth or high-risk, high-reward space tourism stocks. As the space race heats up, your investments might be set to take off - quite literally!

So, what are you waiting for? Blast off into the world of space investments and watch your portfolio reach new heights. At Nemo Money, we collect interesting stocks together into groups called ‘nemes’ - check out our ‘Space’ neme to find all these companies’ stocks in one convenient spot for you to compare. 

Additionally, new Nemo Money users can benefit from our registration bonus - we’ll give you 50% of what you top up your account with, up to a maximum bonus of $50. Start your journey today!

All stock information was correct at the time of writing.

Han Tan

Han Tan is a seasoned financial journalist and news presenter renowned for his expertise in global markets. With a career highlighted by interviews with prominent figures and recognition from major media outlets like CNN and Reuters, he delivers insightful analysis on market news and macroeconomic trends to clients and international audiences. Han's sharp commentary on currencies, stocks, and commodities is familiar to viewers of Bloomberg TV Malaysia, BFM 89.9, and NTV7, cementing his sterling reputation in the industry.