2 Space Stocks That Are Quietly Becoming Some of the Market's Best Opportunities

By Thomas Niel – Apr 20, 2026 at 1:15AM ESTKey PointsAll eyes are on SpaceX's upcoming IPO, but there are already two strong buys among space stocks out there.AST SpaceMobile is quickly commercializing its satellite-based cellular broadband network.While better known for its space launch division, Rocket Lab's main business and key opportunity is with its space systems segment.Investors are champing at the bit about SpaceX's upcoming initial public offering (IPO), but trying to get in early on Elon Musk's space exploration venture isn't the only way to profit from the "final frontier" of investing. In fact, there are several space stocks currently trading in the public markets that, irrespective of SpaceX going public, have strong long-term prospects. That said, the SpaceX IPO itself could serve as an additional catalyst for these names, as increased attention toward the private space exploration sector may lead to a broad rally. Among this group, the following two stand out as compelling space stock opportunities: AST SpaceMobile (ASTS 5.95%) and RocketLab (RKLB +2.25%). Image source: Getty Images. AST SpaceMobile is ready for liftoff, as commercialization commences Space-based telecommunications is one of the strongest opportunities among satellite stocks and rocket stocks. While there may be numerous ways to invest, looking at companies that can deliver phone and internet service from outer space may be one of the best opportunities for immediate profitability. ExpandNASDAQ: ASTSAST SpaceMobileToday's Change(-5.95%) $-5.41Current Price$85.53Key Data PointsMarket Cap$25BDay's Range$84.91 - $91.7752wk Range$20.26 - $129.89Volume20MAvg Vol14MGross Margin-14399.31% AAST SpaceMobile is primarily focused on commercializing its space satellite-based cellular broadband network. The company has partnerships with several telecom companies, including AT&T, Verizon, and Vodafone. AST SpaceMobile generated $4.4 million in revenue in 2024, growing that to $70.9 million in 2025. In the years ahead, however, revenue and profitability could increase exponentially. The consensus analyst forecast calls for the company to reach $777 million in revenue next year. Earnings per share (EPS) could reach nearly $4 by 2029. Execution risk notwithstanding, given this potential and additional upside from further commercialization efforts, AST SpaceMobile appears well worth the risk at current prices. Rocket Lab is vying to become a space hardware leader Rocket Lab may be best known for its launch services division, but the launching of commercial and government satellites represents just a portion of the company's overall business. Rocket Lab's ambitions may seem limited compared to those of SpaceX, but it's still looking to become a space hardware leader. ExpandNASDAQ: RKLBRocket LabToday's Change(2.25%) $1.87Current Price$84.80Key Data PointsMarket Cap$48BDay's Range$83.60 - $86.9952wk Range$18.21 - $99.58Volume26MAvg Vol22MGross Margin31.66% For years, sales for the company's space systems unit have dwarfed those of the launch unit. Both units continue to grow at a healthy clip. Last year, the launch segment grew by nearly 40%, while the space systems segment grew by just over 34%. However, when it comes to contract backlog, it's all about increasing orders for the company's spacecraft systems and satellite components. At first glance, Rocket Lab's long-term plans may seem already highly factored into the stock's valuation. Despite not yet reaching profitability, the company has a $48 billion market cap and trades for over 73 times its trailing-12-month sales. Even so, analysts expect annualized sales growth to remain in the mid double digits during this year and the next. As sales scale up and Rocket Lab soars toward profitability, shares are likely to stay on their current upward trajectory.Read NextApr 16, 2026 •By Lou WhitemanBest Space Stocks to Buy in 2026 and How to Invest in ThemApr 16, 2026 •By John BallardAst Spacemobile vs. Iridium Communications: Comparing Revenue Growth and StabilityApr 15, 2026 •By Leo SunThe Market Didn't See AST SpaceMobile's Move Coming. These 2 Stocks Are Next to Watch.Apr 15, 2026 •By Leo Sun3 Stocks With Monster Potential to Hold Through the Next Decade of UncertaintyApr 14, 2026 •By Reuben Gregg BrewerPlanet Labs, Rocket Lab, and AST SpaceMobile All Jumped After the SpaceX IPO AnnouncementApr 11, 2026 •By James BrumleyWhy Falling Rocket Launch Costs Are Getting Investors Excited About SpaceAbout the AuthorThomas Niel is a contributing Analyst at The Motley Fool, covering publicly traded companies in the consumer goods and technology sectors. Prior to the Motley Fool, Thomas was a contributing Analyst for several online investing publications, including InvestorPlace, Seeking Alpha, and TipRanks. He also has past career experience in the accounting and government contracting industries. He holds a B.B.A. in Accounting from Marymount University. Thomas won his school's geography bee in the fifth grade, but retired from the professional geography bee circuit shortly thereafter.TMFThomasNielStocks MentionedAST SpaceMobileNASDAQ: ASTS$85.53(-5.95%)-$5.41Verizon CommunicationsNYSE: VZ$46.55(-0.49%)-$0.23AT&TNYSE: T$26.51(+0.42%)+$0.11Vodafone Group PublicNASDAQ: VOD$15.48(-1.40%)-$0.22Rocket LabNASDAQ: RKLB$84.79(+2.24%)+$1.86*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.