Why Planet Labs, Iridium Communications, Intuitive Machines, and Other Space Stocks Skyrocketed This Week

By Joe Tenebruso – Apr 3, 2026 at 5:11PM ESTKey PointsSpaceX could be the blockbuster IPO of 2026.Amazon may be looking to acquire a satellite network.Shares of multiple space-focused companies surged this past week, driven by acquisition rumors and anticipation of a long-awaited initial public offering (IPO). Here's how some of the top space stocks performed, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence. Intuitive Machines (LUNR +18.60%), up 37% Iridium Communications (IRDM +15.32%), up 18% Planet Labs (PL +16.84%), up 16% Image source: Getty Images. Buyout rumors are swirling Several space stocks jumped on Thursday on reports that Amazon (AMZN 0.38%) was in talks to buy Globalstar (GSAT +13.48%). Amazon is reportedly looking to accelerate its plans to offer satellite-based internet services. Acquiring Globalstar's satellite constellation and mobile communications network -- or one of its competitors -- could help it do so. ExpandNASDAQ: GSATGlobalstarToday's Change(13.48%) $9.24Current Price$77.77Key Data PointsMarket Cap$10.0BDay's Range$72.70 - $78.1252wk Range$17.24 - $78.30Volume235KAvg Vol787KGross Margin32.79% A mega IPO could be on the horizon The space industry also received a boost from reports that SpaceX had quietly filed for an IPO.

The Elon Musk-led aerospace manufacturer and space transportation leader could be seeking a staggering $1.75 trillion market valuation, according to Bloomberg. SpaceX's IPO, which would no doubt bring further attention to the massive growth potential of the space market, could take place as early as June. These space stocks could benefit Planet Labs supplies satellite imagery and other geospatial solutions to a growing list of customers, including the U.S. Department of Defense and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Iridium provides mobile satellite communications services to businesses and government agencies. It specializes in delivering positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services to pilots, sailors, and first responders. Intuitive Machines is a leader in space exploration and infrastructure development. It recently received a $180 million contract from NASA to deliver payloads to the Moon's surface. Intuitive Machines' technology is also supporting the Artemis II mission currently underway.Read NextApr 2, 2026 •By James BrumleyHere's Why Intuitive Machines Is Rocketing Higher On ThursdayApr 2, 2026 •By The Motley Fool TeamStock Market Today (LIVE): Alexa, Let's Go to Outer Space; Markets Whipsaw on Iran RiskMar 31, 2026 •By Jeremy BowmanWho Owns ChatGPT? Largest Shareholders & Board of DirectorsMar 30, 2026 •By Rich SmithGood News for Space Stocks: NASA Wants 30 Moon LandingsMar 25, 2026 •By Rich SmithWhy Intuitive Machines Stock Went to the Moon TodayMar 23, 2026 •By Rich SmithWhy Intuitive Machines Stock Popped TodayAbout the AuthorJoe Tenebruso is a contributing Motley Fool stock market analyst with more than 3,000 financial bylines to his name. Joe was an investment analyst for Stock Advisor, Income Investor, Crypto Society, and other top-rated investing services. He also managed Tier 1 Investments, a market-crushing real-money portfolio with 24.58% annualized returns. Joe graduated summa cum laude from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance.tmfguardianX@Tier1InvestorStocks MentionedIntuitive MachinesNASDAQ: LUNR$23.99(+18.53%)+$3.75AmazonNASDAQ: AMZN$209.70(-0.41%)-$0.87GlobalstarNASDAQ: GSAT$77.77(+13.48%)+$9.24Iridium CommunicationsNASDAQ: IRDM$32.86(+15.22%)+$4.34Planet Labs PBCNYSE: PL$35.88(+16.84%)+$5.17*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.