The space industry is poised for significant growth in 2026, driven by advancements in commercial satellite operations, lunar exploration, and the integration of AI with space technologies. With trends like increased sovereign investments in space assets, expanding satellite broadband competition, and a renewed focus on lunar infrastructure, investors are eyeing companies that can capitalize on these developments.
Two standout stocks in this sector are Planet Labs (NYSE:) and Intuitive Machines (NASDAQ:). Both firms are deeply embedded in the space economy, offering unique value propositions that could make them attractive buys for the coming year.
Here’s a closer look at what each company does, their ties to the space sector, and why they deserve a spot on your investment radar for 2026.
1. Planet Labs
- Current Price: $28.28
- Market Cap: $8.8 Billion
Planet Labs operates the world’s largest fleet of Earth-imaging satellites, providing daily high-resolution scans for agriculture, defense, and climate monitoring. Their data is used by governments (including NASA and the US military), corporations, and even hedge funds tracking global supply chains.
The company’s robust satellite infrastructure (over 200 in orbit) and a moat of unique imagery archives position it as a critical player in global monitoring and geospatial intelligence.
Financially, PL is on fire: its stock sits at an all-time high, having surged 658% in the past year and 326% in the last six months. Despite some concerns about current valuations, Planet Labs has captured less than 1% of its massive total addressable market, leaving tremendous room for expansion as AI integration and satellite services accelerate.
Source: Investing.com
Planet Labs is experiencing a sharp growth inflection, with third-quarter fiscal 2026 revenue up 33% year-over-year and its backlog surging 216% to $734.5 million due to expanding government deals. It has achieved four consecutive quarters of positive adjusted EBITDA and is guiding for positive free cash flow in fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
Analysts largely rate it as a “Buy” amid a potent combination of relentless top-line growth and major contract wins, making Planet Labs a must-watch heading into 2026 and beyond.
2. Intuitive Machines
- Current Price: $19.50
- Market Cap: $3.5 Billion
Intuitive Machines is at the heart of the “Moon economy,” offering lunar access, data transmission, and space infrastructure. The company also provides data services, including payload delivery to the Moon’s surface, and is involved in NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program.
Its Nova-C and Micro-Nova landers have already made history, notching the first U.S. lunar landing since 1972.
LUNR’s momentum is building. Its stock has climbed 59.1% in six months and, while only up 16% in the past year, analysts see plenty of upside. Intuitive Machines’ expertise in autonomous navigation, precision landing systems, and space-qualified hardware manufacturing positions the company as an essential partner for NASA’s Artemis program and other international lunar exploration initiatives.
Source: Investing.com
In a year of revolutionary space trends like manufacturing in orbit and next-gen space stations, LUNR’s focus on scalable lunar services could yield significant returns amid growing US and international investments.
Additionally, the emerging lunar economy driven by potential resource extraction, scientific research, and space tourism creates long-term growth opportunities that extend well beyond current NASA contract commitments.
Bottom Line
Companies like Planet Labs and Intuitive Machines are well-positioned to thrive, leveraging their expertise in Earth observation and lunar operations to tap into these opportunities. While risks such as execution challenges and market volatility remain, their growth trajectories and alignment with industry megatrends make them compelling options for investors looking to capitalize on the final frontier.
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Disclosure: This is not financial advice. Always conduct your own research.
At the time of writing, I am long on the S&P 500, and the Nasdaq 100 via the SPDR® S&P 500 ETF, and the Invesco QQQ Trust ETF. I am also long on the Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF. I regularly rebalance my portfolio of individual stocks and ETFs based on ongoing risk assessment of both the macroeconomic environment and companies’ financials.
The views discussed in this article are solely the opinion of the author and should not be taken as investment advice.
Follow Jesse Cohen on X/Twitter @JesseCohenInv for more stock market analysis and insight.