Prediction: 2 Space Stocks That Could Join SpaceX and Rocket Lab in the Nasdaq-100 by 2030
2026-10-02 06:05
•Brett Schafer •The Motley Fool
••• •••• Axe Cap view
JSE Investors Should Watch Space Economy Stocks from Afar
Two US space economy firms show promise but are too risky for direct SA investors right now.
South African investors often look for global growth themes to complement our local market. The space economy—satellites, lunar logistics—sounds exciting, especially with players like SpaceX (SPCX) and Rocket Lab (RKLB) already in the Nasdaq-100. But when it comes to newcomers like AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) and Intuitive Machines (LUNR), the risk is very high. ASTS aims to provide direct-to-device satellite internet, but ongoing launch delays suggest their execution may falter. LUNR, focused on lunar logistics, carries even more speculative risks as its business depends on a moon economy that barely exists today. This makes these stocks a distant watchlist item rather than a must-own for any South African portfolio. Given the rand’s sensitivity to global risk sentiment, a selloff in these noisy tech bets could strengthen USD/ZAR, reinforcing caution. Unless these firms show steady progress, better to wait. this is just our opinion and not financial advice
Avoid direct exposure to ASTS and LUNR now; instead, keep a watchful eye on USD/ZAR volatility as a barometer for global tech risk appetite affecting our market.
- ASTS
- LUNR
- USD/ZAR
- Execution delays or failure in satellite launch timelines
- Global tech sell-offs affecting USD/ZAR and SA risk appetite
5/10
The article identifies AST SpaceMobile and Intuitive Machines as two space stocks with potential to join the Nasdaq-100 by 2030, alongside already-listed SpaceX and Rocket Lab. AST SpaceMobile is developing direct-to-device satellite internet technology but faces execution risks and repeated launch delays. Intuitive Machines is positioning itself as a lunar logistics provider with higher revenue than peers but remains highly speculative. Blue Origin is mentioned as a potential dark horse candidate if it goes public.
Our take is based on reporting first published by The Motley Fool.