BlackSky Technology Inc.

Key Points
Planet Labs incorporated Claude AI into its platform, allowing users to easily make queries.
BlackSky uses AI to automatically detect and classify vessels, vehicles, and aircraft.
It's hard to overstate the impact of Space Exploration Technologies and its record-setting IPO on the stock market. SpaceX raised nearly $86 billion in its IPO on June 12, making it the largest IPO in history and giving Elon Musk's company a $2 trillion valuation.
SpaceX has arguably been the biggest narrative in the stock market this summer, as even some major indexes have changed their rules to allow large IPO stocks like SpaceX to join more quickly than usual. But it's far from a perfect stock -- SpaceX already carries an extremely high valuation, and it will be years before it turns a profit. Meanwhile, IPO stocks are notoriously volatile, and many of them need several quarters of performance before they start generating consistent gains.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
However, some interesting artificial intelligence (AI) space stocks already have a track record of performance. Planet Labs (NYSE: PL) and BlackSky Technology (NYSE: BKSY) are two that are worth considering right now.
1. Planet Labs
There's a lot of activity around the Earth -- thousands of satellites are already in orbit, with more coming online every year. They include surveillance satellites operated by nation-states such as the U.S., as well as commercial satellites that provide internet access, communications, and Earth imagery.
That's where Planet Labs comes in. The company specializes in Earth imaging for agriculture, forestry, mapping, and government use. It operates about 200 Earth-imaging satellites and records the planet's landmass every day.
The company's Pelican-class satellites use AI to process images and quickly identify subjects, and have incorporated Claude AI from Anthropic into its platform to help non-expert users use information from the company's satellites.
Revenue in the first quarter of fiscal 2027 (ended April 30) was $94 million, up 42% from a year ago. It reported a quarterly loss of $1 million, adjusted for earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), and its backlog grew 72% to more than $906 million.
Planet Labs stock is up more than 45% so far this year.
2. BlackSky Technology
BlackSky is another Earth imaging company. BlackSky uses its constellation of high-resolution satellites and AI-enabled software, delivered through its Spectra platform, to provide real-time Earth observation and analytics.
Spectra uses artificial intelligence to automatically detect and classify vessels, vehicles, and aircraft, and can translate raw pixels into AI-driven analytics in less than 90 minutes. Its capabilities have allowed BlackSky to win government contracts valued up to $2.7 billion.
BlackSky won $160 million in contracts in the first quarter of the year, and built on that this week when it announced it won a series of U.S. government contracts to use its AI-enabled object detection algorithms and automated battle damage analytics to help its customers evaluate damage inflicted on targets after military engagements.
The stock is up 40% so far this year.
Should you buy stock in Planet Labs PBC right now?
Before you buy stock in Planet Labs PBC, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Planet Labs PBC wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $407,004!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,244,599!*
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*Stock Advisor returns as of July 10, 2026.
Patrick Sanders has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends BlackSky Technology and Planet Labs PBC. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Forget SpaceX: 2 AI Space Stocks to Buy and Hold Instead

Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB), BlackSky (NYSE: BKSY) and Kratos (NASDAQ: KTOS) compete in different layers of the space-security ecosystem. The bullish thesis centers on a powerful shift in defense spending toward resilient satellite networks, real-time intelligence, and launch capacity. The key question is which stock offers the best mix of upside and long-term strategic relevance.
Stock prices used were the market prices of June 17, 2026. The video was published on June 26, 2026.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
Don’t miss this second chance at a potentially lucrative opportunity
Ever feel like you missed the boat in buying the most successful stocks? Then you’ll want to hear this.
On rare occasions, our expert team of analysts issues a “Double Down” stock recommendation for companies that they think are about to pop. If you’re worried you’ve already missed your chance to invest, now is the best time to buy before it’s too late. And the numbers speak for themselves:
Nvidia: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2009, you’d have $499,979!*
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Right now, we’re issuing “Double Down” alerts for three incredible companies, available when you join Stock Advisor, and there may not be another chance like this anytime soon.
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Rick Orford has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Kratos Defense & Security Solutions and Rocket Lab. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Rick Orford is an affiliate of The Motley Fool and may be compensated for promoting its services. If you choose to subscribe through their link, they will earn some extra money that supports their channel. Their opinions remain their own and are unaffected by The Motley Fool.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

3 Best Space Stocks to Buy Now

Key Points
Rocket Lab launched its latest Space Force mission in less than 17 hours.
Its future looks bright, but its stock still looks expensive.
On June 22, Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB) launched its Victus Haze mission just 16 hours and 42 minutes after receiving the U.S. Space Force's Notice to Launch. That beat its previous record by over ten hours and marked its fastest turnaround ever.
Once in orbit, it fully activated the spacecraft in 37 hours and 36 minutes, easily beating the Space Force's 72-hour deadline. SpaceX (NASDAQ: SPCX), which handled the other half of the Victus Haze mission, doesn't execute any short-notice "scramble" missions like Rocket Lab.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
The Victus Haze mission is an orbital game of "cat and mouse" to test how quickly the U.S. military responds to spaceborne threats. In May, SpaceX launched True Anomaly's Jackal satellite -- the "mouse" -- into orbit with its Falcon 9 rocket. Rocket Lab waited on standby until the Space Force ordered it to launch its own Pioneer satellite -- the "cat" -- with its Electron rocket. That mission's success suggests Rocket Lab's future is bright, but does it make its stock worth buying after its near-40% pullback over the past month?
What does Rocket Lab do?
Rocket Lab's Electron rocket carries much smaller payloads than SpaceX's Falcon rockets. It has launched the Electron 88 times to deploy over 260 small satellites, and its customers include NASA, the U.S. Space Force's Space Development Agency (SDA), the Swedish National Space Agency, Capella Space, Kinéis, and BlackSky Technology.
Rocket Lab successfully launched 21 Electron rockets in 2025 and aims to launch around 30 in 2026. It's also trying to launch its first Neutron rocket, which can carry much heavier payloads than the Electron, by the end of this year.
Over the next few years, Rocket Lab plans to expand into an "end-to-end" space company by producing more spacecraft, satellites, and subsystems, launching more "ride-share" services for third-party payloads, and improving its Photon satellite bus platform.
From 2025 to 2028, analysts expect Rocket Lab's revenue to grow at a 39.5% CAGR. They also expect it to turn profitable in the final year.
Why did Rocket Lab's stock decline?
Rocket Lab, like many other space stocks, rallied in the month leading up to SpaceX's IPO. But after the IPO, many of those investors took profits and rotated to SpaceX instead. Some investors believe SpaceX's Starship, its largest rocket ever, could significantly reduce launch prices and hurt smaller rocket makers like Rocket Lab. Inflation and fears of interest rate hikes are also driving investors away from smaller, speculative stocks.
Even after its pullback, Rocket Lab trades at 51 times this year's sales, 36 times its 2027 sales, and 29 times its 2028 sales. It's a little cheaper than SpaceX, which trades at 55 times this year's sales, but it might be too hot to handle right now. Investors can nibble on Rocket Lab at these levels, but they shouldn't be surprised if it gets cut in half in the next market crash.
Don’t miss this second chance at a potentially lucrative opportunity
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On rare occasions, our expert team of analysts issues a “Double Down” stock recommendation for companies that they think are about to pop. If you’re worried you’ve already missed your chance to invest, now is the best time to buy before it’s too late. And the numbers speak for themselves:
Nvidia: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2009, you’d have $508,315!*
Apple: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2008, you’d have $52,442!*
Netflix: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2004, you’d have $382,359!*
Right now, we’re issuing “Double Down” alerts for three incredible companies, available when you join Stock Advisor, and there may not be another chance like this anytime soon.
Leo Sun has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends BlackSky Technology and Rocket Lab. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Rocket Lab Just Shattered This Space Force Record: Does That Make The Stock a Buy?

Key Points
SpaceX’s IPO sucked the oxygen out of the space sector.
But as SpaceX loses its momentum, these other space stocks could soar.
Many space stocks soared before SpaceX (NASDAQ: SPCX) went public on June 12. But after SpaceX's IPO, many of those stocks gave up their gains. Some investors likely took profits in those smaller space stocks and chased SpaceX's post-IPO rally instead.
SpaceX listed its IPO shares at $135, and its stock started trading at $150 before setting a record high of $225.64 on June 16. At its peak, its market cap hit $2.66 trillion -- or 142 times its 2025 revenue of $18.7 billion -- and sucked the oxygen out of the rest of the space sector.
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But as of this writing, SpaceX trades at about $160 with a market cap of $2.13 trillion. It still looks expensive at 114 times last year's sales, but its pullback could finally give some of its industry peers a chance to catch their breath. Let's take a closer look at three other space stocks that might benefit from the market's waning interest in SpaceX: AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS), Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB), and Intuitive Machines (NASDAQ: LUNR).
AST SpaceMobile
AST SpaceMobile, like SpaceX's Starlink, produces low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellites for cellular and internet connectivity. However, AST's satellites are much larger than Starlink's, and it doesn't offer its own first-party satellite internet service. Instead, AST helps telecom giants like AT&T and Verizon serve more customers in remote and rural areas. It's also building satellites for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency's "Golden Dome" project.
AST has only launched seven satellites so far, but it plans to have 45 to 60 satellites in orbit by the end of 2026, and up to 248 satellites in its constellation within the next few years.
From 2025 to 2028, analysts expect AST's revenue to soar from $71 million to $1.88 billion as its constellation expands. They also expect it to turn profitable in 2027 and 2028. AST's stock might not seem cheap at 12 times its 2028 sales, but it has a lot more upside.
Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab, like SpaceX, develops reusable orbital rockets. However, Rocket Lab's Electron rockets carry much smaller payloads than SpaceX's Falcon rockets.
Its customers include NASA, the U.S. Space Force, the Swedish National Space Agency, Kinéis, and BlackSky Technology. It's already launched 89 Electron rockets into orbit, and it plans to launch its higher-capacity Neutron rocket by the end of this year.
Over the next few years, Rocket Lab plans to expand into an "end-to-end" space services company by producing more spacecraft, satellites, and subsystems for companies and government agencies. As those catalysts kick in, analysts expect its revenue to soar from $602 million in 2025 to $1.63 billion in 2028, and for it to achieve profitability in the final year.
Its stock looks expensive at 36 times its 2028 sales, but it could have plenty of room to grow as it launches more rockets and expands its space services business. It should also remain a compelling alternative for investors who like SpaceX but don't like its money-losing AI division.
Intuitive Machines
Inituitive Machines develops lunar landers and exploration vehicles for NASA. It's already sent two Nova-C landers to the moon (IM-1 in 2024 and IM-2 in 2025). IM-1 marked America's first successful moon landing since 1972, and it helped the company win additional lunar logistics and near-space network services (NSNS) contracts from NASA.
Like Rocket Lab, Intuitive Machines is gradually expanding into a more diversified space services provider. It recently acquired Lanteris Space Systems, a developer of satellite and space defense systems, to accelerate that strategy.
From 2025 to 2028, analysts expect Intuitive's revenue to jump from $210 million to $1.39 billion, with profitability in the final year, as it scales its business. However, it trades at less than three times its 2028 revenue -- making it one of the cheapest high-growth space stocks. That lower valuation could attract much more attention as SpaceX's high-flying shares pull back.
Should you buy stock in Space Exploration Technologies right now?
Before you buy stock in Space Exploration Technologies, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Space Exploration Technologies wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $393,037!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,280,627!*
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Leo Sun has positions in Verizon Communications. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends AST SpaceMobile, BlackSky Technology, Intuitive Machines, and Rocket Lab. The Motley Fool recommends Verizon Communications. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

SpaceX Is Pulling Back. These 3 Stocks Are the Biggest Beneficiaries.

Key Points
CEO Brian O'Toole sold 15,512 shares on June 10, 2026, for a transaction value of ~$529,000 at a reported price of $34.10 per share.
This sale represented 1.3% of O'Toole's direct holdings immediately prior to the transaction, with direct post-sale ownership at 1,139,676 shares.
The transaction involved only direct ownership; no indirect entities or derivative securities were part of this sale.
On June 10, 2026, BlackSky Technology Inc. (NYSE:BKSY) CEO and President Brian E. O'Toole sold 15,512 shares of Common Stock in an open-market transaction for a total value of approximately $529,000, according to a SEC Form 4 filing.
Transaction summary
Metric
Value
Context
Shares sold (direct)
15,512
Open-market shares sold in this filing.
Transaction value
$529,000
Based on SEC Form 4 reported price ($34.10)
Post-transaction shares (direct)
1,139,676
Directly held shares after transaction completion
Post-transaction value (direct ownership)
$36.2 million
Based on June 10, 2026 market close price ($31.79)
Transaction value based on SEC Form 4 reported price ($34.10); post-transaction value based on June 10, 2026 market close price.
Key questions
How does the transaction size compare to O'Toole's historical sale activity?
This 15,512-share sale is at the upper end of O'Toole's prior open-market sales, aligning with the maximum observed transaction size in the historical record for sell-only events.
Did the transaction materially impact O'Toole's direct ownership or overall exposure?
The sale reduced O'Toole's direct holdings by 1.3%, a modest decrement, leaving substantial direct ownership.
Was this a routine liquidity event or a shift in selling cadence?
Recent trade data show four sell transactions since March 2025, with trade sizes scaling to available share capacity; this sale fits within the routine cadence established over the past year.
How does the sale valuation relate to market pricing on the transaction date?
The reported sale price of $34.10 per share was above both the market open ($31.38) and close ($31.79) on June 10, 2026, indicating favorable execution relative to the day's trading range.
Company overview
Revenue (TTM)
$97.81 million
Net income (TTM)
($87.11 million)
Employees
340
1-year price change
171.69%
* 1-year price change calculated using June 10, 2026 as the reference date.
Company snapshot
BlackSky Technology delivers geospatial intelligence, high-resolution satellite imagery, and advanced data analytics solutions, leveraging proprietary satellite constellations and integrated ground systems.
It serves government agencies, defense and intelligence sectors, as well as commercial and industrial organizations requiring real-time observational data and analytics.
The company processes observational data from its own satellites and external sources, integrating diverse data streams for actionable insights.
BlackSky Technology Inc. operates at scale as a provider of real-time geospatial intelligence and analytics, supported by a proprietary satellite network and advanced data fusion capabilities.
The company’s strategy focuses on integrating diverse data sources to deliver actionable insights for mission-critical applications. Its competitive edge lies in rapid data delivery and comprehensive analytics tailored to high-value defense and commercial markets.
What this transaction means for investors
The June 10 sale of BlackSky stock by CEO Brian O'Toole came not long after shares hit a 52-week high of $52.88 towards the end of May. This would seem an opportune time to sell, but this transaction was performed to cover tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of restricted stock units (RSUs).
Consequently, O'Toole’s disposition is not a cause for investor concern. In addition, he retained over one million directly-held shares after this transaction, maintaining a substantial equity stake.
BlackSky’s sales in the first quarter sank to $20.8 million compared to $29.5 million in the prior year, but the stock rose thanks to the announcement of new government contracts. As a result, the company increased its 2026 full-year sales outlook to a range between $130 million and $150 million, up from 2025’s record revenue of $106.6 million.
Customers in the defense sector have been a key catalyst in the company’s 2026 growth. BlackSky’s space-based intelligence and AI offerings have also contributed to capturing new contracts.
Should you buy stock in BlackSky Technology right now?
Before you buy stock in BlackSky Technology, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and BlackSky Technology wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $424,531!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,273,016!*
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*Stock Advisor returns as of June 18, 2026.
Robert Izquierdo has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends BlackSky Technology. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

BlackSky's CEO Sold Over 15,000 Company Shares. Here's What That Means for Investors.

Key Points
Rocket Lab’s stock has skyrocketed over the past year.
It’s carving out a high-growth niche in the nascent space services market.
Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB), a producer of reusable orbital rockets, usually doesn't get as much attention as its larger industry peer, SpaceX. But over the past 12 months, Rocket Lab's stock has nearly quadrupled as it dazzled the market with its rapid growth. It isn't profitable yet, but it could still be worth buying for four simple reasons.
1. It's launching more rockets than ever
Rocket Lab's Electron rocket can carry small payloads of up to 300 kilograms into low Earth orbit. It doesn't directly compete against SpaceX's Falcon rockets, which carry much larger payloads, and its top customers include NASA, the U.S. Space Development Agency (SDA), the Swedish National Space Agency, Kinéis, and BlackSky Technology.
Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue »
Rocket Lab launched six Electron rockets in 2021, nine in 2022, 10 in 2023, 16 in 2024, and 21 in 2025. It's already launched seven more Electron rockets year-to-date, and it aims to launch more than 20 rockets for the full year. One of those rockets could be its upcoming Neutron rocket, which can carry much larger payloads of up to 13,000 kilograms.
2. It's expanding beyond rocket launch services
Over the long term, Rocket Lab aims to evolve into an "end-to-end" space services company by expanding its Photon satellite bus platform, which boosts satellites into their intended orbits; offering more "ride-sharing" services for additional payloads; and producing more spacecraft, satellites, and subsystems for companies and government agencies.
It recently acquired Mynaric, a leading laser communications provider, to accelerate that strategy. It also secured its largest-ever contract, valued at $816 million, with the SDA to design and manufacture 18 satellites for a missile-defense satellite constellation.
3. It has plenty of growth potential
As those catalysts kick in, analysts expect Rocket Lab's revenue to surge from $602 million in 2025 to $1.59 billion in 2028. They also expect it to turn profitable by the final year.
We should take those estimates with a grain of salt, but Rocket Lab is clearly carving out a high-growth niche in the nascent space exploration market. There's also plenty of room for Rocket Lab, SpaceX, and other rocket makers to run without stepping on each other's toes.
4. It could grow into its lofty valuation
Rocket Lab, with a market cap of $63 billion, trades at 68.5 times this year's sales and 39.5 times its projected sales of 2028. It certainly isn't a bargain, but it could deserve that premium valuation if it expands and evolves into a space services giant over the next decade.
Should you buy stock in Rocket Lab right now?
Before you buy stock in Rocket Lab, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Rocket Lab wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $439,038!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,277,804!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 942% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 206% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
Leo Sun has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends BlackSky Technology and Rocket Lab. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Rocket Lab is Still in the Red. Here Are 4 Reasons to Buy the Stock Anyway.

Key Points
SpaceX is going public on June 12, but at a steep valuation.
Planet Labs, BlackSky, and Redwire are three alternatives that provide space and AI exposure.
Planet Labs and BlackSky are Earth-imaging companies, and Redwire manufactures space infrastructure.
The SpaceX IPO is days away.
The popular space company is planning to go public on June 12 at a share price of $135 and a valuation of $1.77 trillion. The ticker symbol will be SPCX, trading on the Nasdaq Global Markets exchange.
Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue »
SpaceX generated $18.7 billion of revenue in 2025, so the company's valuation is a big talking point, as it will premiere at about 95 times sales. Morningstar recently valued SpaceX at less than half that ($780 billion).
If you're interested in SpaceX because it provides space and AI exposure, it's not the only game in town. Here are three other space stocks to consider, all trading at cheaper valuations.
1. Planet Labs
Founded by ex-NASA scientists, Planet Labs (NYSE: PL) aims to image all of Earth's landmass every day. It operates over 200 imaging satellites, and it sells Earth observation data to customers across several industries, including agriculture, defense, and finance.
AI powers the analytics layer that uses satellite images to provide structured data. Planet Analytics tools detect buildings, roads, vessels, and aircraft, provide early identification of new construction, and identify geographic features. For an example of how this can be beneficial, agricultural companies partnered with Planet Labs can use its data to optimize fertilizer usage and irrigation.
Planet Labs recently reported earnings for the first quarter of its 2027 fiscal year, which ended April 30, 2026. Revenue jumped 42% year over year to a record $94.2 million, and its backlog grew 72% to over $906 million, indicating strong current and future demand. However, Planet Labs hasn't reached profitability yet, and it isn't cheap, trading at 32 times trailing sales (as of June 5). That's a high multiple, but still far below SpaceX's projected valuation.
2. BlackSky
Another option in the Earth observation realm is BlackSky (NYSE: BKSY), a smaller and more specialized satellite imaging company than Planet Labs. It focuses primarily on defense, intelligence, and global security. Partners include the U.S. Department of Defense, NASA, and the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office.
BlackSky stands out for its speed and high-resolution imaging. Its Gen-3 satellites provide 35-centimeter resolution, allowing objects as small as 35 centimeters to be identified. For comparison, Planet Labs satellites provide 200-to-300-centimeter resolution. With the AI-enhanced BlackSky Spectra platform, Gen-3 satellites can deliver intelligence in as little as 60 minutes, which is crucial for organizations that need near-immediate targeting or battle-damage assessments.
Governments are increasingly prioritizing real-time, AI-powered tactical intelligence, driving growth in BlackSky's top-line and backlog. In the first quarter of 2026, it won up to $160 million in new contracts and reported $20.8 million in revenue, with 45% of those sales coming from the U.S. federal government and agencies. It also reported a backlog of $351.6 million. BlackSky doesn't have an out-of-this-world valuation, trading at 12 times trailing sales.
3. Redwire
Redwire (NYSE: RDW) builds space infrastructure, including spacecraft, guidance systems, power systems, antennas, and camera systems. It also manufactures drones and other defense technology.
Redwire uses AI across several areas of its business, and its flagship AI product is Acorn 2.0, a modeling and simulation software platform. Acorn 2.0 uses agent-based modeling tools to simulate complex systems for defense and aerospace customers. Redwire launched Acorn 2.0 last year for select customers, one of them being DeepSat, a space observation company using the platform to optimize its satellite constellations.
This space company has been building momentum, and revenue jumped 58% year over year to $97 million in Q1 2026. Gross margin expanded to 26.6% compared to 14.7% a year prior, and Redwire also reported a record backlog of $498.1 million.
However, Redwire is losing money, and its first-quarter earnings of -$0.40 per share missed expectations. A large portion of the loss came from equity-based compensation, not operational issues, but it's still a sign of the risk this company poses. On a positive note, Redwire trades at 7 times trailing sales, the lowest valuation on this list.
The space sector offers plenty of interesting investment opportunities, even as the SpaceX IPO dominates the headlines right now. Keep in mind that space stocks are in the early stages, which makes them inherently riskier than more established businesses. Be prepared for volatility and size your investments accordingly.
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Lyle Daly has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends BlackSky Technology and Planet Labs PBC. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Forget the SpaceX IPO: 3 AI Space Stocks to Buy and Hold Instead

Key Points
SpaceX’s IPO looks overvalued.
Rocket Lab is growing faster and trading at a more reasonable valuation.
SpaceX will likely become the biggest IPO in history when it goes public on June 12. But at its target valuation of $2 trillion, it would be valued at 107 times last year's sales. That's a bubbly valuation, even for a company that grew its revenue by 33% in 2025.
SpaceX also still generates most of its revenue from Starlink, its satellite internet service. Starlink is profitable, but the losses from SpaceX's space division, which produces its Falcon rockets, and its AI division, which owns xAI and X, are completely erasing those gains.
Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue »
Before SpaceX integrated xAI into its business in May, the company was profitable because it offset the space division's moderate losses with Starlink's rising profits. However, the integration of xAI -- which posted an operating loss of $6.4 billion in 2025 -- upset that balance.
That's why SpaceX posted a net loss of $4.3 billion in the first quarter of 2026 on just $4.7 billion in revenue. That's also probably why it's so eager to raise more cash and why it allocated up to 30% of its shares to retail investors rather than institutional investors. Those red flags are preventing me from placing an order for its IPO, which is already two times oversubscribed.
Instead of chasing SpaceX's volatile market debut, it might be smarter to simply invest in Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB) -- which also produces reusable orbital rockets but is growing faster, trading at a more reasonable valuation, and doesn't own a cash-burning AI business. Let's see why this smaller rocket stock could be a much better long-term buy than SpaceX.
The differences between Rocket Lab and SpaceX
Rocket Lab competes against SpaceX's space division. It's already launched its Electron rocket, which carries smaller payloads than SpaceX's Falcon rockets, 88 times. It plans to launch its new Neutron rocket, which carries heavier payloads than the Electron, by the end of this year.
Rocket Lab is much smaller than SpaceX, but it's already secured contracts from major customers such as NASA, the U.S. Space Development Agency (SDA), the Swedish National Space Agency, Capella Space, Kinéis, and BlackSky Technology. It aims to become an "end-to-end" space company by producing more spacecraft, satellites, and subsystems, launching more "ride-share" services for third-party payloads, and expanding its Photon satellite bus platform, which bumps satellites into their correct orbits.
In 2025, Rocket Lab's revenue rose 38% to $602 million, but its net loss widened from $190 million to $198 million. That's less than 6% of the $18.67 billion in revenue that SpaceX generated last year, but its business model is simpler, and its losses aren't as jarring.
From 2025 to 2028, analysts expect Rocket Lab's revenue to grow at a 38% CAGR. They also expect its adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) to turn positive in 2027 and grow 23% in 2028. They also expect it to turn profitable by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in 2028.
We should take those rosy estimates with a grain of salt, but Rocket Lab's margins should improve as it launches more rockets, economies of scale kick in, and it expands its higher-margin space services segment. Meanwhile, SpaceX will continue to expand its unprofitable AI segment with more infrastructure investments -- and those steep losses will continue to offset the robust growth of Starlink's higher-margin satellite business.
With a market cap of $64 billion, Rocket Lab isn't cheap at 62 times last year's sales -- but it's still a bargain compared to SpaceX's target valuation of more than 100 times its 2025 sales.
Could buying Rocket Lab before the SpaceX IPO be a smart move?
Rocket Lab's stock has risen nearly 60% this year. Like other space stocks, Rocket Lab benefited from the soaring interest in SpaceX's looming IPO. But unlike SpaceX, Rocket Lab still looks reasonably valued and could deliver life-changing gains over the next few decades.
Should you buy stock in Rocket Lab right now?
Before you buy stock in Rocket Lab, consider this:
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Leo Sun has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends BlackSky Technology and Rocket Lab. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Could Buying RKLB Before the SpaceX IPO Set You Up for Life?

Planet Labs PL posted mixed fiscal first-quarter 2027 results, with the top line improving year over year while the bottom line declined year over year. The company witnessed improved gross margin and an increase in backlog.
While the top line beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate, the bottom line missed the same.
Shares of Planet Labs have gained 87.5% year to date, outperforming the industry, its sector, as well as the Zacks S&P 500 composite. Planet Labs is a leading provider of Earth-imaging data and geospatial analytics, operating the largest fleet of Earth-observation satellites globally.
PL vs Industry, Sector, S&P 500
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Shares of Rocket Lab RKLB and BlackSky Technology BKSY have gained 72% and 111.6% year to date, respectively.
Sneak Peek Into Q1 Results
Planet Labs reported record first-quarter revenues of $94.2 million, up 42% year over year, with growth broadly distributed across global markets. Backlog rose 72% year over year to more than $906 million. Defense & Intelligence (D&I) revenues increased more than 65%, driven by strong demand for data subscription solutions and satellite services. Commercial revenues grew more than 20%, supported by expansion into larger opportunities and AI-enabled offerings.
Cost of revenues increased 47.9% to $43.7 million, while R&D expenses rose 44.8% to $33.4 million. Total operating expenses climbed 43.6% to $85.3 million. Adjusted EBITDA was negative $1 million, though the company achieved the Rule of 40 for the third consecutive quarter.
It incurred a loss in the reported quarter while breaking even in the year-ago quarter.
Planet Labs ended the quarter with approximately $731 million in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments. Operating cash flow totaled $15.4 million, down 11% year over year, while free cash flow was an outflow of $2.5 million compared to an $8 million inflow a year ago. During the quarter, the company secured an eight-figure international contract and successfully launched three additional Pelican satellites.
Optimistic Guidance
For the second quarter of fiscal 2027, Planet Labs projects revenues of $102 million to $107 million, with a non-GAAP gross margin of 52% to 55%. Adjusted EBITDA is expected to range from breakeven to a profit of $5 million, while capital expenditures are forecast between $21 million and $27 million.
For fiscal 2027, the company expects revenues in the range of $425 million to $441 million. Non-GAAP gross margin is projected to be in the range of 52% to 54%, and adjusted EBITDA is anticipated to be between breakeven and a profit of $10 million. Capital expenditures for the year are expected to range from $80 million to $95 million.
PL Shares Are Expensive
The stock is overvalued compared with its industry. It is currently trading at a price-to-sales multiple of 31.64, higher than the industry average of 3.57.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
PL is relatively cheap compared to RKLB but expensive compared to BKSY.
The Case for PL Stock
Planet Labs generates most of its revenues through a mix of fixed-price subscription agreements and usage-based contracts, providing satellite imagery and data analytics via its cloud-based platform to governments and large enterprises. Growth has been supported by the expansion of its subscription business, rising government demand and a strategic focus on higher-value satellite services and advanced analytics.
The company has increasingly prioritized large government and defense contracts, which offer stronger revenue visibility and long-term stability. At the same time, management sees significant potential in the commercial market. Enhanced products and AI-driven analytics—originally developed for government customers—are expected to expand commercial applications across supply chain monitoring, surveillance, operational efficiency, insurance, finance, energy, and agriculture.
However, Planet Labs remains unprofitable, with profitability unlikely in the near term. Significant investments in satellite infrastructure, high R&D spending, and elevated operating expenses continue to put pressure on margins. After five years of losses, the company is expected to remain loss-making through fiscal 2027, while returns on equity and invested capital continue to trail industry averages.
Planet Lab’s Growth Projections
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2027 revenues indicates a 39.4% year-over-year increase, while that for earnings suggests flat numbers. The consensus estimate for fiscal 2028 revenues indicates a 32.2% year-over-year increase, while that for earnings suggests an increase of 266.7% year over year.
The consensus estimate for fiscal 2027 earnings witnessed no movement in the past 30 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The consensus estimate for 2026 earnings of RKLB has moved south in the past 30 days, while that for BKSY has witnessed no movement in the same time frame.
Parting Thoughts on PL Shares
Planet Labs, a data-driven company focused on Earth-observation imagery and analytics, is poised to grow, given the rising global demand for commercial satellites.
However, current factors warrant caution. With the stock trading at a premium, returns on capital comparing unfavorably with the industry, looming near-term earnings pressure, muted analyst sentiment and a VGM Score of F, it is better to stay cautious on this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Should You Buy, Sell or Hold Planet Labs Stock Post Q1 Earnings?

Key Points
Rocket Lab could launch a lot more rockets over the next few decades.
Joby Aviation’s eVTOLs could replace conventional helicopters.
The aerospace industry usually isn't considered a high-growth market. But over the past few years, some innovative aerospace companies have attracted significant attention with new rockets and aircraft that offer many advantages over their predecessors.
Two such companies are Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB) and Joby Aviation (NYSE: JOBY). Let's see why these two stocks could be worth buying and holding for the next 20 years.
Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue »
Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab develops reusable orbital rockets. It's already launched its Electron rocket, which can carry small payloads of up to 300 kilograms into space, 87 times as of this writing. It plans to launch its second rocket, the Neutron, to carry even heavier payloads later this year.
Rocket Lab's customers include NASA, the U.S. Space Force, the Swedish National Space Agency, Capella Space, Kinéis, and BlackSky Technology. It's much smaller than SpaceX, but it's carved out a niche by carrying smaller payloads than its larger rival.
From 2025 to 2028, analysts expect Rocket Lab's revenue to surge from $602 million to $1.53 billion as it launches more rockets and secures more contracts. Its stock isn't cheap at 40 times its 2028 sales, but it could have plenty of upside over the next two decades as low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations expand and space agencies launch new orbital missions.
Joby Aviation
Joby develops electrical vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft as greener, safer, and easier-to-land alternatives to conventional helicopters. Its S4 eVTOL can carry one pilot and four passengers, travel up to 150 miles on a single charge, and achieve a maximum speed of 200 miles per hour. Unlike many other eVTOL makers, which use separate propellers for takeoff and cruising, the S4 uses a single propeller for both. That key difference reduces its weight and drag, and enables it to travel faster and farther than many other eVTOLs.
Joby hasn't launched any commercial flights yet, but major companies such as Toyota, Delta Air Lines, and Uber are already backing the company. Delta and other airlines plan to bundle Joby's short-range air taxi flights into their tickets for premium "home to airport" services, while Uber is integrating Joby's flights into its new Uber Air platform.
From 2025 to 2028, analysts expect Joby's revenue to rise from $53 million to $458 million as it expands its commercial air taxi flights. Fortune Business Insights expects the global eVTOL market to grow at a 36.8% CAGR from 2026 to 2034. So while Joby's stock might seem pricey at 23 times its 2028 sales, it could still have plenty of upside over the next 20 years.
Should you buy stock in Rocket Lab right now?
Before you buy stock in Rocket Lab, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Rocket Lab wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $471,827!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,319,291!*
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*Stock Advisor returns as of May 11, 2026.
Leo Sun has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends BlackSky Technology, Rocket Lab, and Uber Technologies. The Motley Fool recommends Delta Air Lines. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.