Key Points

According to PwC, the space economy could potentially reach $2 trillion by 2040.
AST SpaceMobile targets direct cell phone services from space with bold launch schedules.
Intuitive Machines accomplished the first U.S. lunar landing since 1972.

SpaceX plans an initial public offering on June 12 that stands as one of the most anticipated events in recent memory and could rank among the largest IPOs ever recorded. The United States continues to back space initiatives for both scientific progress and national security needs, while PwC forecasts the overall space economy expanding to $2 trillion by 2040.

With growing focus on this expanding sector, investors may want to examine two compelling space-related stocks ahead of the SpaceX debut.

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 »

Image source: Getty Images.

AST SpaceMobile seeks to deliver cellphone connectivity from orbit

AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS) develops direct-to-cellular broadband services for standard mobile devices and positions itself against SpaceX's established Starlink network. The firm intends to offer complete mobile capabilities such as voice calls, messaging, data access, and video streaming through its Block 2 BlueBird satellites, which feature the largest commercial phased-array antennas placed in low Earth orbit, spanning as much as 2,400 square feet.

Over recent periods the company secured partnerships with major carriers including AT&T, Verizon, and Vodafone. To ensure steady coverage in key early markets, AST outlined plans for 2026 that include deploying between 45 and 60 satellites before year-end.

Last month the firm encountered an issue when a Blue Origin New Glenn vehicle placed its satellite in an unusable low orbit. AST has since de-orbited that unit and shifted reliance to alternate providers including SpaceX to fulfill annual targets.

The company intends to send its next trio of satellites during June, and leadership maintains confidence in reaching 45 satellites by December through regular launches every one to two months backed by multiple provider agreements.

With 5.8 million global mobile subscribers plus government work such as a $30 million Space Development Agency deal for tactical broadband, AST SpaceMobile continues building momentum.

Intuitive Machines achieved lunar success and won major government deals

Intuitive Machines (NASDAQ: LUNR) gained attention a couple of years ago after completing the first U.S. moon landing since Apollo 17 in 1972. The business supplies aerospace and space infrastructure such as robotic landers for exploration, ground stations and satellites for communications, plus related space systems and components.

Intuitive Machines stands out as a vertically integrated contractor serving the U.S. government. Earlier this year it secured $429 million in fresh contracts tied to SDA plans for a 72-satellite constellation aimed at detecting, tracking, and warning of advanced missile threats. It also obtained a $180 million commercial lunar payload services contract from NASA.

The company tripled first-quarter revenue to $186.7 million and closed the period with a backlog exceeding $1.1 billion, marking an $842 million rise from the prior year-end, while anticipating roughly 60 percent of that backlog converting to revenue during the current year. Supported by strong government contract momentum, Intuitive Machines represents another noteworthy space stock for investors.

Should you buy stock in AST SpaceMobile right now?

Before you buy stock in AST SpaceMobile, 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 AST SpaceMobile 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 $463,900!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,294,401!*

Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 978% - a market-crushing outperformance compared to 211% 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.

See the 10 stocks »

*Stock Advisor returns as of May 31, 2026.

Courtney Carlsen has positions in Intuitive Machines. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends AST SpaceMobile and Intuitive Machines. The Motley Fool recommends Verizon Communications and Vodafone Group Public. 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.