10 Biggest Space Companies in the World [2024]

Summary: Space is the final frontier, and a multitude of companies are seeking to explore it, driven by everything from technological innovation to commercial demand for space tourism. With space exploration becoming easier and more accessible, more and more investors are looking to back companies that engage in it and profit from their groundbreaking work. In this guide, we’re taking a look at the 10 biggest space companies to invest in on investment platforms such as eToro.

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What are space companies?

When considering investing in space stocks, it’s crucial to assess companies based on factors such as market capitalization, stock price, and other financial indicators. Additionally, be mindful of the inherent risks and volatility associated with the space industry. Numerous sectors within it, like space tourism, are still evolving and susceptible to regulatory shifts and technological progress.

The space industry

The rapid expansion of space exploration is probably one of the technological shifts of the 21st century that could rival the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Sure, following the retirement of the Space Shuttle, the domestic space industry slowed down, but Elon Musk’s SpaceX endeavors and missions to the International Space Station (ISS) reignited interest in the final frontier among entrepreneurs and investors alike. 

Now, private space companies like SpaceX and Boeing are vying for NASA contracts, which is a shift in the industry’s operating model, given that we’re used to governments being the sole space explorers. Indeed, SpaceX, with its launch capabilities and market cap, stands out as the leading space company. Meanwhile, companies like Intuitive Machines are making significant strides in lunar exploration, attracting serious investor attention. 

Space technologies and market trends

Technological and manufacturing constraints used to hinder progress in space exploration. However, tech such as satellite manufacturing advancements and in-space 3D printing are now paving the way for further and uninterrupted ventures into outer space. 

The commercialization of space has introduced new opportunities, including space tourism, so numerous companies seek to democratize space tourism and make it accessible to a broader audience.

Naturally, despite advancements in technology, there are still a lot of obstacles to overcome, such as microgravity challenges, material testing in outer space, etc. What’s more, with finite monetary resources and the increasing scarcity of rare metals, attention has turned to space for sourcing materials for ambitious projects. 

But, as concepts such as Lunar and Martian manufacturing and mining hold promise, the industry is heavily invested in making some of our science fiction dreams a reality.

Where to buy space stocks?

Space stocks can be bought on online trading platforms. Our recommended platform remains eToro, a leading brokerage with millions of active daily users and useful trading features, such as:

• Commission-free stock trading;
• Access to over 2,000 stocks from 17 different exchanges;
• Charting tools;
• The option to purchase fractional shares.

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• Invest in 2,800+ stocks and other assets including 70+ cryptocurrencies and commodities.

• 0% commission on buying stocks - buy in bulk or just a fraction from as little as $10. Other fees apply. For more information, visit etoro.com/trading/fees.

• Copy top-performing traders in real time, automatically.

• eToro USA is registered with FINRA for securities trading.

30+ million Users

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eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk. eToro USA LLC does not offer CFDs, only real Crypto assets available. Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest.

10 biggest space companies in the world

1. SpaceX; 
2. Blue Origin;
3. Boeing (NYSE: BA);
4. RTX Corporation (NASDAQ: RTX);
5. Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT);
6. General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE: GD);
7. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC);
8. Astra (NASDAQ: ASTR);
9. Virgin Galactic (NYSE: SPCE);
10. Rocket Lab USA (NASDAQ: RKLB).

SpaceX

Space Exploration Technologies Corp., known as SpaceX, is an aerospace firm based in Hawthorne, California, specializing in manufacturing and launching space equipment like satellites and spacecraft. The company aims to lower space transportation expenses by creating fully reusable launch vehicles capable of transporting humans to Mars and other destinations in the solar system. 

The company’s portfolio includes Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship launch vehicles, rocket engines, Cargo Dragon and Crew Dragon spacecraft, as well as Starlink communications satellites.

Unfortunately, SpaceX is not a publicly traded company, so investors will have to invest in Musk’s public venture Tesla to back SpaceX indirectly.

Your capital is at risk.

Blue Origin

Blue Origin is an American aerospace manufacturer and spaceflight services provider established by former Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos. Based in Kent, Washington, the company aims to enhance accessibility to commercial space travel. It operates nationwide, focusing on space tourism and producing rockets, rocket engines, spacecraft, and heavy-lift launch vehicles. Often compared to SpaceX, Blue Origin plays a significant role in the commercial space industry. 

Like its rival SpaceX, Blue Origin is not a publicly traded company, so investors will have to invest in Amazon to gain exposure to the company indirectly.

Your capital is at risk.

Boeing (NYSE: BA)

The Boeing Company is a multinational aerospace manufacturer and one of the oldest and largest aerospace and defense companies in the world. Boeing offers a range of aerospace products and services, including airplanes, rotorcraft, rockets, and missiles. Renowned for iconic aircraft such as the 747, 737, and 787, Boeing has played a significant role in aviation and aerospace advancement, and with collaborations with NASA, it’s been venturing into space exploration more and more.

Your capital is at risk.

RTX Corporation (NASDAQ: RTX)

RTX Corporation, previously known as Raytheon Technologies Corporation, is a multinational aerospace and defense conglomerate recognized for its leadership in aviation, missile defense, and satellite technologies. It specializes in developing solutions across aviation, cybersecurity, air defense systems, satellites, and drones, so it plays a pivotal role in national security and the global aerospace industry.

Your capital is at risk.

Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT)

Lockheed Martin is a renowned global aerospace, defense, arms, security, and advanced technology corporation. Established in 1995 through the merger of Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta, the company has a long legacy dating back to the very inception of modern aviation. As a frontrunner in the defense and aerospace sector, Lockheed Martin offers an extensive array of products and services encompassing aircraft, helicopters, missiles, satellites, cybersecurity solutions, and beyond.

Your capital is at risk.

General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE: GD)

General Dynamics Corporation is a longstanding American aerospace and defense enterprise with a track record of over a century. The company focuses on defense, marine, information technology, and aerospace offerings, its more notable business segments being Electric Boat, Gulfstream Aerospace, and Information Technology. General Dynamics also furnishes advanced technology and support services to both the U.S. government and international clients. 

Your capital is at risk.

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC)

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a U.S.-based, multinational company specializing in aerospace and defense technology. It ranks among the foremost producers of military technology and weapons globally, its diverse portfolio spanning products ranging from advanced aircraft and missile systems to satellite communications.

In addition to its aerospace endeavors, Northrop Grumman has played a significant role in space exploration. Notably, it contributed to the 2021 launch of the James Webb Space Telescope, an orbiting observatory, and produced the solid rocket boosters crucial for NASA’s Space Launch System program.

Your capital is at risk.

Astra (NASDAQ: ASTR)

Based in Alameda, California, Astra operates as a launch vehicle company with two core segments: Launch Services and Space Products. Its Launch Services arm delivers one of the most cost-efficient orbital launch solutions globally, while the Space Products division supplies the Astra Spacecraft Engine™, one of the industry’s pioneering flight-proven electric propulsion systems for satellites.

Your capital is at risk.

Virgin Galactic (NYSE: SPCE)

Virgin Galactic is an American commercial spaceflight company offering suborbital space flights to tourists. The company had its inaugural spaceflight in 2018, and in 2021, it performed the first suborbital spaceflight with more than three passengers, adhering to the USAF/NASA space definition, which begins above 50 miles from Earth.

Your capital is at risk.

Rocket Lab USA (NASDAQ: RKLB)

Rocket Lab is a space enterprise providing an array of services, ranging from launch solutions and satellite manufacturing to on-orbit operations. The company made history with the successful launch of Ātea-1 in 2009, making it the first private entity in the Southern Hemisphere to venture into space. Relocating its headquarters to California, USA, in 2013, the company introduced the Expendable Electron rocket, which conducted its inaugural launch in May 2017.

Your capital is at risk.

Pros and cons of investing in space stocks

Pros

• Growth prospects: The space industry is constantly expanding, offering frequent growth investment opportunities;
• Innovation and exploration: Investing in space companies fosters innovation and research;
• Global market: Space companies often operate globally;
• Government contracts: A lot of space companies have stable government contracts.

Cons

• Risk factor: Space exploration entails significant risks, with numerous potential complications before, during, and after spacecraft launches;
• Market volatility: Many segments within the space industry, such as space tourism, are relatively new and consequently prone to volatility. There are also regulation risks;
• Intense competition: Competition in the space industry remains fierce, with private and governmental entities going against each other.

Disclaimer: The content on this site should not be considered investment advice. Investing is speculative. When investing, your capital is at risk.

FAQs about the 10 biggest space companies

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• Invest in 2,800+ stocks and other assets including 70+ cryptocurrencies and commodities.

• 0% commission on buying stocks - buy in bulk or just a fraction from as little as $10. Other fees apply. For more information, visit etoro.com/trading/fees.

• Copy top-performing traders in real time, automatically.

• eToro USA is registered with FINRA for securities trading.

30+ million Users

Get Started

eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk. eToro USA LLC does not offer CFDs, only real Crypto assets available. Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest.