Top 3 Space Stocks for July 2026: Rocket Lab (RKLB), AST SpaceMobile (ASTS), and Planet Labs (PL)

Key Takeaways

• Rocket Lab has evolved from a launch provider into a comprehensive space systems company, with the Neutron vehicle representing its next major milestone
• AST SpaceMobile is developing direct-to-smartphone satellite connectivity, partnering with major carriers like AT&T and Verizon
• Planet Labs operates an extensive Earth imaging satellite constellation, monetizing through data subscriptions to enterprise and government clients
• These three firms represent distinct investment theses: launch infrastructure, wireless connectivity, and geospatial intelligence
• Government defense budgets and commercial satellite adoption continue driving sector growth

The commercial space industry continues expanding in July 2026, with Rocket Lab, AST SpaceMobile, and Planet Labs emerging as three particularly noteworthy stocks for investor consideration.

Rocket Lab: Vertically Integrated Space Systems Provider

Rocket Lab has successfully transformed from a niche launch provider into a vertically integrated space systems enterprise. Today’s revenue streams span orbital insertion services, satellite production, spacecraft subsystems, mission control software, and defense contracts.

Rocket Lab USA, Inc., RKLB

Strong relationships with NASA and the Department of Defense provide reliable contract flow. The company’s upcoming Neutron launch vehicle represents a strategic expansion into medium-lift reusable rockets, targeting both commercial constellation deployments and national security payloads.

Successful Neutron deployment would significantly expand the company’s addressable market. While share price volatility persists, the diversified business structure provides resilience against individual program delays.

Rocket Lab stands out among publicly traded space companies for its operational breadth and consistent delivery track record.

AST SpaceMobile: Revolutionary Mobile Connectivity Venture

AST SpaceMobile pursues an ambitious vision: creating the first space-based cellular broadband network accessible to ordinary mobile phones without modifications.

AST SpaceMobile, Inc., ASTS

The objective involves eliminating terrestrial coverage gaps globally. Agreements with telecommunications giants including AT&T, Verizon, and Vodafone validate market demand for this capability.

Commercial operations remain in early stages. Deploying a functioning global satellite constellation requires substantial capital investment, complex regulatory navigation, and flawless technical performance.

Significant execution risk exists, but the opportunity is equally substantial. Successful deployment could fundamentally alter global mobile communications access.

Planet Labs: Geospatial Intelligence at Scale

Planet Labs pursues a fundamentally different space business model focused on information rather than connectivity or transportation.

Planet Labs PBC, PL

The company maintains one of Earth’s largest commercial Earth observation satellite networks, generating daily global imagery. This data feeds subscription-based services sold to government agencies, defense organizations, insurance companies, agricultural enterprises, and environmental monitoring groups.

Subscription-based revenue provides greater predictability compared to transactional launch businesses. Satellite imagery demand continues expanding as organizations increasingly rely on geospatial intelligence for strategic decision-making.

While revenue expansion has proceeded more gradually than some analysts anticipated, the growing customer roster and recurring revenue structure establish solid long-term fundamentals.

Investment Perspective

These three companies represent distinct segments within the broader space economy. Rocket Lab provides launch capabilities and space infrastructure. AST SpaceMobile targets global wireless connectivity gaps. Planet Labs monetizes Earth observation intelligence.

The commercial space sector benefits from increasing government expenditure, defense modernization priorities, and expanding commercial satellite applications. All three securities carry elevated risk profiles relative to traditional equity investments, but each provides unique exposure to an industry experiencing exceptional growth momentum.

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