That’s understandable.

For years, ordinary investors have watched one of the most important private companies in the world create value from the sidelines. The moment shares become available, demand will be enormous.

But by the time many investors gain access to the stock, investment banks will have completed their models, institutional investors will have established positions, and analysts will have spent months determining what they believe the company is worth.

This is why you should pay attention to what happens next.

Because the moment Wall Street places a public-market value on SpaceX, analysts, portfolio managers, and institutional investors will gain something they’ve never had before: a benchmark for the future of space.

And once that benchmark exists, they’ll start looking for other companies operating in adjacent markets that may offer more room for upside.

Here are 3 companies that stand out.

Intuitive Machines Is Building the Lunar Economy

Wall Street rarely gets the chance to value an entirely new industry from the ground floor. That’s what makes Intuitive Machines (NASDAQ: LUNR) so interesting.

You see, while investors debate whether the moon will eventually support meaningful economic activity, NASA officials, defense agencies, and commercial customers are already spending money as if that future is coming.

The company generated $186.7 million in first-quarter revenue while contracted backlog reached about $1.1 billion, providing substantial visibility into future business activity. Indicating that customers are already paying the company to build pieces of it.

NASA isn’t preparing astronauts to revisit the moon for a photo opportunity. Agency officials are funding communications systems, navigation networks, and surface operations because they expect people and equipment to keep returning there. Intuitive Machines sits directly in the middle of that effort.

If analysts begin using SpaceX as a benchmark for future space infrastructure, companies already generating revenue from lunar development, like Intuit, could attract significant attention.

Recent weakness hasn’t been enough to break the stock’s larger uptrend. Shares recently traded around $34.86, and buyers continue stepping in after pullbacks. That tells me investors remain focused on the company’s long-term role in the lunar economy rather than short-term contract headlines. 

Rocket Lab Is Becoming More Than a Launch Company

The story around Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB) stopped being about rockets a long time ago.

Today, the company generates revenue from launch services, spacecraft manufacturing, satellite components, engineering solutions, and government contracts.

No wonder why in its Q1 2026 earnings release, the company reported a revenue of $200.3 million, a 63% YOY growth. Gross margin reached 38.2%, while backlog expanded to about $2.2 billion.

The market’s fascination with SpaceX tends to obscure an important reality.

A future space economy will require more than one launch provider.

From government agencies needing launch capacity, to defense contractors needing spacecraft systems, and commercial customers needing satellites.

Rocket Lab is building products that serve all three groups.

The company’s continued investment in the Neutron rocket reflects what customers are increasingly demanding: larger payloads, more frequent launches, and greater flexibility.

That’s where the SpaceX IPO could matter.

Once analysts assign a public-market value to the dominant launch company in the world, investors will inevitably ask what smaller companies with growing market share might be worth.

The chart suggests many investors may already be reaching that conclusion.

RKLB stock shares traded at $143.20 after extending one of the strongest uptrends in the market. Buyers spent months building a base before pushing the stock sharply higher in May on expanding volume. The stock remains comfortably above both its 50-day and 200-day moving averages, indicating that institutions continue to accumulate shares despite the massive advance.

AST SpaceMobile Wants to Transform Global Connectivity

Every major technological revolution creates two categories of winners.

The companies that build the infrastructure.

And the companies that use that infrastructure to deliver services.

SpaceX helped convince governments, corporations, and investors that orbital infrastructure can support real businesses.

AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS) wants to build one of those businesses.

The company is developing a satellite network designed to connect ordinary smartphones directly to space-based communications systems.

If successful, AST could become part of the global telecommunications industry.

The company reported $14.7 million in first-quarter revenue and ended the quarter with approximately $3.5 billion in cash and cash equivalents, providing substantial resources to continue deploying satellites and expanding commercial capabilities.

The opportunity here extends far beyond launches.

Billions of people carry smartphones.

Hundreds of millions live or work in areas where connectivity remains unreliable.

AST is pursuing a future in which those devices connect directly to satellites without specialized equipment.

And technically, momentum has returned in a big way as shares recently traded around $119.70 after surging through a key resistance level that had held for months. The combination of heavy volume and a strong breakout suggests investors are becoming optimistic about the company’s direct-to-device satellite network. 

Why Smaller Space Stocks Could Benefit the Most From the SpaceX IPO

Most investors assume the SpaceX IPO story begins when shares start trading.

I think it begins when analysts publish their valuation models.

The moment Wall Street places a public-market value on SpaceX, thousands of analysts, portfolio managers, and institutional investors will start reassessing what launch networks, orbital communications systems, and lunar infrastructure might be worth.

Some will buy SpaceX.

Others will search for companies operating in markets that SpaceX helped validate, but that still trade at a fraction of their valuation.

That’s where Intuitive Machines, Rocket Lab, and AST SpaceMobile enter the conversation.

NASA officials are already funding lunar infrastructure. Government agencies and commercial customers are already buying launch services and spacecraft systems. Telecom providers are already exploring satellite-based connectivity.

Those trends existed before the IPO.

A public SpaceX valuation may force more investors to notice them.

And when capital starts flowing into an emerging industry, the biggest gains don’t always belong to the company making the headlines. Sometimes they belong to the companies that investors discover immediately afterward.

The catalyst is that, for the first time in 50+ years, we’re going back to the moon. On April 1, NASA’s Artemis II mission, the first crewed flight in 50 years, successfully launched, now cruising along a path that will take it to the dark side of the moon and back. In doing so, the astronauts will become the farthest-flying humans in history at 252,757 miles, or 4,102 miles beyond the Apollo 13 crew record.

Not only has its success reignited attention on the space economy, but it’s also reignited ambitions to once again put humans on the Moon and eventually build a sustained lunar presence. The Artemis program is more than a historic achievement — it’s a potential catalyst for long‑term growth across aerospace and space stocks.

From lunar landers to rocket launches and space communications, here are three space stocks well-positioned to capture the growth of the space economy, which could be worth $1.8 trillion by 2035, according to the World Economic Forum.

NASA Contracts and Lunar Missions Fuel Explosive Growth Potential

Intuitive Machines (NASDAQ: LUNR), one of the most-watched moon stocks, has exploded since Artemis II took off. That’s because it was just awarded a NASA contract with a growing backlog.

In fact, NASA awarded the company a $180.40 million Commercial Lunar Payload Services task order for an IM-5 mission, which will deliver seven payloads to a ridge near the Lunar South Pole. In addition, Intuitive Machines said the latest mission will use its lunar landing system, space data network, and autonomous surface operations capabilities, which gives investors another reason to get bullish on the stock.

It’s also seen as a long-term beneficiary of commercial lunar activity. Its subsidiary Lanteris Space Systems was selected by L3Harris Technologies to support the development and production of spacecraft platforms for the Space Development Agency Tranche 3 Tracking Layer of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture. 

Space-Based Cellular Network Could Disrupt Global Connectivity

AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS) could also rocket higher this year. For one, the company is developing a space-based mobile broadband network, using a combination of satellites and ground-based relays that can connect your mobile phone to the World Wide Web without the need for cell phone towers. 

Second, it’s preparing for its BlueBird-7 satellite launch, set for April 10 – a key milestone for expanding its space-based cellular broadband network. In addition, if the company can orbit communications satellites around the Earth, it may also be able to facilitate communications on the moon and, potentially, even Mars one day.

Also, in February, it was awarded a $30 million prime contract by the U.S. Space Development Agency for the HALO Europa program to provide direct-to-device tactical satellite communications. And it was just awarded a government contract for the Missile Defense Agency’s Scalable Homeland Innovative Enterprise Layered Defense (SHIELD) indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. 

Diversified Exposure to the Fast-Growing Space Economy

If you want greater exposure to space-related stocks at a low price, there’s the Procure Space ETF (NASDAQ: UFO) that just rocketed from a November low of about $31 to $49.35. 

With an expense ratio of 0.75%, the UFO ETF offers diversification in the commercial space economy — satellites, connectivity, data services, Earth observation — which many analysts see as a rapidly expanding sector. It also holds 52 stocks, including Planet Labs, EchoStar, AST Space Mobile, Rocket Lab, Intuitive Machines, and Boeing, to name a few.

Why the Space Economy’s Next Phase Could Lift These Space Stocks Higher

As humanity gets excited about the space economy and the moon again, related stocks could easily rocket higher. From lunar landers to orbiting satellites that could reshape global communications, companies like Intuitive Machines, AST Space Mobile, and diversified ETFs like the Procure Space ETF (UFO) are just a handful of must-own stocks.

When they’re buying, there’s often a good reason for it. Usually it’s because they believe analysts are undervaluing their companies. In this article, I’m highlighting three stocks with heavy insider buying that may offer just such an opportunity for investors.

Stocks with Heavy Insider Buying: Nerdy

Nerdy Inc. (NYSE: NRDY), which operates live online learning platforms, just saw its CEO, Charles Cohn, buy 257,210 shares of the stock for just over $273,343.

Nerdy runs Varsity Tutors and an AI-powered Live + AI platform that scales tutoring and education services. The company’s ability to blend human expertise with AI scalability creates a differentiated model in the $100 billion tutoring market.

However, the company’s revenue has been declining on a year-over-year (YoY) basis. And short interest is also on the rise, although it’s only about 7% of the NRDY stock float.

In the company’s most recent earnings report, it announced it had secured a term loan with a $50 million borrowing capacity. Management views that as a key step towards the company’s goal of achieving profitability.

While the stock has been a disaster for months, it spiked from about 80 cents to $1.12 in the 30 days ending November 28. Aside from the insider buying, the company accelerated its AI native platform and implemented sizable cost reductions to help drive productivity and growth. 

Stocks with Heavy Insider Buying: DraftKings

DraftKings Inc. (NASDAQ: DKNG) stock has been under pressure in 2025. One reason is simply an increase in competition. However, the growing popularity of prediction markets has created another category of threat that is putting selling pressure on the stock.

However, with DKNG stock down nearly 24% in the last 12 months, two DKNG insiders saw the drop as a buy opportunity. In fact, former Metro-Goldwyn Meyer CEO Harry Sloan, who has been on the board of DKNG since early 2020, just bought 25,000 shares for about $30.30 each, or $757,500.

Director Gregory Wendt made his first purchase since joining the board in late October. Wendt bought 10,000 shares for $30.27 each, or a total of $302,700.

There’s reason to believe management may be right. At the close of trading on November 28, DKNG stock was at $33.15, which is over 40% below its consensus price target of $47.38.

Stocks with Heavy Insider Buying: Intuitive Machines

If you’re looking for a moonshot, you may want to consider Intuitive Machines (NASDAQ: LUNR). The company is one of the leading names in the emerging space sector. The company is best known for its lunar modules, which landed on the moon’s surface in 2024.

Despite the optimism surrounding space stocks, LUNR stock is down over 47% in 2025. However, after the company’s stock slipped from a high of around $14 in mid-October, director Michael Blitzer bought 141,080 shares on November 12 for about $1.3 million. On November 13, he bought an additional 100,000 shares of LUNR for about $883,230.

Analysts at Stifel just initiated coverage of the LUNR stock with a buy rating and an $18 price target. “The firm highlighted Intuitive Machines’ early-mover advantage in the emerging lunar market, noting the company has established advantageous positions in multiple verticals, including delivery services and lunar communication,” according to Investing.com.

Analysts at Deutsche Bank upgraded LUNR to a buy rating with a price target of $18. The firm sees an attractive set-up for the next three to six months, supported by clear commercial catalysts. The firm also believes LUNR trades at a sizable discount to its peers.

However, many investors wonder what’s the fun in that? They enjoy stock picking and the hunt for promising sector stocks.

One metric to look for is insider buying. Insiders know their company the best. So, if they’re buying, there’s often a good reason for it. While it’s important for you to perform your own due diligence, I’m happy to get you started by looking at three sector stocks with heavy insider buying.

Sector Stocks to Buy: DraftKings

DraftKings Inc. (NASDAQ: DKNG) has had a strong two-year run as sports betting becomes legal in an increasing number of states. However, the rise of prediction markets has sent DKNG stock back to reality, or maybe into oversold territory.

That’s certainly what the company insiders believe. With DKNG stock down 35% in the last three months as of this writing, two DKNG insiders saw the drop as a buy opportunity.

Metro-Goldwyn Meyer (MGM) CEO Harry Sloan, who has been on the board of DraftKings since early 2020, bought 25,000 shares for about $30.30 each, or $757,500.

And Director Gregory Wendt made his first purchase since joining the board in late October. Wendt bought 10,000 shares for $30.27 each, or a total of $302,700.

These insiders may be betting on the company’s exclusive agreement with ESPN to propel it to greater heights. Time will tell if it’s a good bet.

Sector Stocks to Buy: Norwegian Cruise Lines

Cruise line stocks were on fire heading into 2025. But concerns about tariffs and the end of the experience trade, has put many of these stocks into choppy seas.

That may be creating an opportunity with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NYSE: NCLH). The stock gapped lower from approximately $22 to $18.24 after the company delivered disappointing earnings.

However, that didn’t deter three insiders from buying the stock. On November 6, executive vice president (EVP) and chief financial officer (CFO) Mark Kempra bought $197,051 worth of stock. Chief Luxury Officer Jason Montague bought $252,020 worth of the stock. And the President and CEO, Harry Sommer picked up $462,932 worth of the NCLH stock.

At $18.56 a share, NCLH is oversold at support dating back to June. It’s also oversold on RSI, MACD, and Williams’ %R. The last time it became this oversold, NCLH ran from a low of about $15 a share to a high of about $27 a share.

Sector Stocks to Buy: Intuitive Machines

Intuitive Machines Inc. (NASDAQ: LUNR) is one of the intriguing stocks in the emerging space sector. The company made headlines for landing a vehicle on the moon’s surface in 2024.

That seems like a long time ago for investors. LUNR stock is down over 51% in the last 12 months. However, after the stock slipped from a mid-October high of around $14, director Michael Blitzer bought 141,080 shares on November 12 for about $1.3 million. On November 13, he bought 100,000 shares of LUNR for about $883,230.

Analyst sentiment supports the buys. Stifel just initiated coverage of the LUNR stock with a buy rating with an $18 price target. “The firm highlighted Intuitive Machines’ early-mover advantage in the emerging lunar market, noting the company has established advantaged positions in multiple verticals including delivery services and lunar communication,” according to Investing.com.

Analysts at Deutsche Bank upgraded LUNR to a buy rating with a price target of $18, as well. The firm sees an attractive set-up for the next three to six months, supported by clear commercial catalysts. The firm also believes LUNR trades at a sizable discount to its peers.

If You Remember Nothing Else…

Remember, insiders sell stocks for many reasons. But they only buy for one reason. That is, they believe their company’s stock is undervalued. That’s why when you detect unusually heavy insider buying, it’s usually a signal that the stock may be worth a closer look.

It’s easy to see why. Many analysts forecast the global space economy to be a $1 trillion market by 2030. Growth in this sector is being propelled by falling launch costs, explosive demand for satellite applications, and a healthy case of FOMO (fear of missing out) from retail investors. 

To be fair, space stocks have been profitable investments. Many of these stocks have generated returns of over 100% in the last year. However, many of these companies are not profitable, and that means that valuations are stretched, to say the least. 

That doesn’t mean they’re poor investments, but many of these stocks are still in the speculative stage. And as many investors know, investing in speculative stocks is like a game of musical chairs. You don’t know when the music will stop, but you don’t want to be the one without a chair when it does. 

This article focuses on three stocks in this emerging sector. Two of them have been among the top-performing stocks in the entire market. The other has been a laggard but has shown recent signs of a turnaround.

Once again, this isn’t a sector to avoid. The growth is real and backed up by real contracts. But stock prices can get ahead of the story, and in this case, the fundamentals. That makes managing your positions critical. 

Rocket Lab: The Current King of Space Stocks

Rocket Lab USA Inc. (NASDAQ: RKLB) is one of the top names among space stocks. RKLB stock is up 154% in the last 12 months. The company’s launch business is driving the business, as its Electron rockets are now on a regular schedule. Analysts are optimistic about the future demand for the company’s Neutron rockets, which can deliver larger payloads and will compete with the SpaceX Falcon 9. 

However, the passionate band of Rocket Lab investors quickly points out that the company has a growing services business. This will position the company as an end-to-end solution in this growing industry. 

Revenue is increasing, but Rocket Lab isn’t profitable, and it’s not expected to be profitable until 2027 at the earliest. That puts the focus on the company’s lofty price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of over 71x. Plus, from a technical standpoint, RKLB stock is trading at or slightly below oversold territory based on its relative strength indicator (RSI).

Investors should also note that short interest in RKLB stock is around 13%. That’s not aggressively high, but it suggests that much of the good news is priced in. Retail investors may find that the all-time high the stock made in August may serve as resistance without a new catalyst. Analysts are raising their price targets, but it’s likely that the stock will need to take a breather before it makes a run to new highs. 

AST SpaceMobile: On Track to Connect the World

Communications services are a key driver of satellite launches. That’s the bull case for AST SpaceMobile Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTS). The company is developing the first and only end-to-end space-based cellular broadband network that connects directly to standard mobile phones. The stock is up 103% in the 30 days ending October 17 after the company signed a deal with Verizon Communications.

Starting in 2026, Verizon will be able to use AST SpaceMobile’s network of low-Earth orbit satellites to deliver space-based, direct-to-cellular services to its customers. It’s hard to overstate what this means for AST SpaceMobile’s topline growth in the coming years. 

However, the recent surge in the stock has priced in all of that growth, and more. It’s also important to point out that, like Rocket Lab, the company isn’t going to be profitable in the near term. 

ASTS stock is trading about 45% above its consensus price target. Short interest over 20% combined with a relative strength indicator near overbought levels suggests a pullback is in store. 

The bull case for ASTS stock is in place, but the technicals are outrunning the fundamentals at the moment. Put this on a watchlist and identify a price target at which you’d be interested in owning the stock. 

Intuitive Machines: A Grounded Entry Among Space Stocks

Intuitive Machines (NASDAQ: LUNR) made headlines for its probe that landed on the moon’s surface. LUNR stock popped on that news in early 2025, but the stock has come back to earth and was down 33?% year-to-date as of October 17. 
The company is generating, albeit not necessarily growing, revenue and in a familiar theme is not profitable.. However, the company is broadening its portfolio to include satellite production which is likely to broaden the company’s revenue base over time.

Like many companies, Intuitive Machines success or failure will come down to performance. If it’s able to execute, the opportunity will be measured in decades. On a positive note, the company is not strapped for cash, but its growth may rely on factors that are outside its control. 

That said, LUNR stock is currently trading about 26% below its consensus price and has a neutral relative strength index. Analysts have mixed opinions on the stock, which can make it tricky for retail investors to time their entry. Adding to the complexity, short interest is above 27%, which could also keep pressure on the stock in the short term.