Planet Labs and Intuitive Machines are poised to benefit from the rapidly expanding space economy, with Planet Labs stock surging 658% in the past year alone.
Space Stocks to Watch in 2026
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Investors are increasingly focused on companies positioned to capitalize on growth in commercial satellite operations, lunar exploration, and the integration of artificial intelligence with space technologies.
- Planet Labs (NYSE: PL) operates the world’s largest fleet of Earth-imaging satellites.
- Intuitive Machines (NASDAQ: LUNR) is a key player in the emerging “Moon economy.”
- Both companies are experiencing significant revenue growth and positive analyst ratings.
The space industry is bracing for substantial growth, fueled by increased sovereign investments, expanding satellite broadband competition, and a renewed emphasis on lunar infrastructure. Two companies standing out as potential investment opportunities are Planet Labs and Intuitive Machines.
Planet Labs: Eyes on Earth
- Current Price: $28.28
- Market Cap: $8.8 Billion
Planet Labs operates the largest fleet of Earth-imaging satellites globally, delivering daily high-resolution scans used in agriculture, defense, climate monitoring, and even tracking global supply chains for corporations and hedge funds. Governments, including NASA and the U.S. military, also rely on their data.
With over 200 satellites in orbit and a substantial archive of unique imagery, Planet Labs has established a strong position in global monitoring and geospatial intelligence.
The company’s financial performance is impressive: its stock has reached an all-time high, climbing 658% over the last year and 326% in the past six months. Despite some valuation concerns, Planet Labs has captured less than 1% of its total addressable market, leaving significant room for expansion as AI integration and satellite services accelerate.
Planet Labs reported a 33% year-over-year increase in third-quarter fiscal 2026 revenue, with its backlog surging 216% to $734.5 million, driven by expanding government contracts. The company has achieved four consecutive quarters of positive adjusted EBITDA and anticipates positive free cash flow in fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Analysts generally rate the stock as a “Buy,” citing strong top-line growth and contract wins.
Intuitive Machines: Reaching for the Moon
- Current Price: $19.50
- Market Cap: $3.5 Billion
Intuitive Machines is at the forefront of the “Moon economy,” providing lunar access, data transmission, and space infrastructure services. The company delivers payload to the Moon’s surface and participates in NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program.
Its Nova-C and Micro-Nova landers achieved a historic milestone, marking the first U.S. lunar landing since 1972.
LUNR’s stock has climbed 59.1% in the last six months and 16% in the past year, with analysts predicting further upside. Intuitive Machines’ expertise in autonomous navigation, precision landing systems, and space-qualified hardware manufacturing makes it a vital partner for NASA’s Artemis program and other international lunar exploration efforts.
Amid revolutionary space trends like in-orbit manufacturing and next-generation space stations, Intuitive Machines’ focus on scalable lunar services could generate substantial returns, particularly with growing U.S. and international investments. The emerging lunar economy, driven by potential resource extraction, scientific research, and space tourism, presents long-term growth opportunities extending beyond current NASA contracts.
The Bottom Line
Planet Labs and Intuitive Machines are well-positioned to thrive by leveraging their expertise in Earth observation and lunar operations. While execution challenges and market volatility remain risks, their growth trajectories and alignment with key industry trends make them compelling options for investors seeking to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the final frontier.
Disclaimer: This is not financial advice. Always conduct your own research.
The views discussed in this article are solely the opinion of the author and should not be taken as investment advice.
