Best Space Stocks to Watch in July 2026: AST SpaceMobile and Rocket Lab Lead

TLDR

• Rocket Lab is growing beyond rockets into a full space infrastructure business with its Neutron rocket as the next big catalyst
• AST SpaceMobile is building a satellite network to connect directly to standard smartphones, with major telecom partners already signed up
• Planet Labs runs one of the largest Earth observation satellite fleets, selling imagery data on a subscription model
• All three companies target different parts of the space economy: launches, communications, and data
• The sector is backed by rising government defense spending and growing commercial satellite demand

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Rocket Lab, AST SpaceMobile, and Planet Labs are three space stocks investors are watching in July as the commercial space sector continues to grow.

Rocket Lab: More Than Just Rockets

Rocket Lab started as a small launch company but has grown into a full space infrastructure business. It now earns revenue from rocket launches, satellite manufacturing, spacecraft components, mission software, and government contracts.

Rocket Lab USA, Inc., RKLB

The company works closely with NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense, giving it a steady pipeline of work. Its next big move is the Neutron rocket, a larger reusable vehicle targeting commercial satellite deployments and national security missions.

If Neutron launches successfully, it could open up a much larger market for the company. The stock is volatile, but the business model is diverse enough to weather short-term setbacks.

Rocket Lab has quietly built one of the most well-rounded businesses in the public space market. Consistent execution sets it apart from many of its peers.

AST SpaceMobile: High Risk, High Reward

AST SpaceMobile is trying to do something no company has done at scale before. It is building a satellite network that connects directly to regular smartphones, no special hardware needed.

AST SpaceMobile, Inc., ASTS

The goal is to eliminate mobile dead zones anywhere on Earth. The company has already signed partnerships with AT&T, Verizon, and Vodafone, which shows real demand exists for the technology.

The company is still in early commercial deployment. Building a global satellite network takes enormous capital, regulatory approvals, and precise technical execution.

The risks are real, but so is the potential. If AST delivers, it could reshape how billions of people access mobile connectivity.

Planet Labs: The Data Play

Planet Labs takes a different approach to the space economy. Instead of launching things for others or connecting phones, it collects data.

Planet Labs PBC, PL

The company operates one of the world’s largest fleets of Earth observation satellites, capturing high-resolution images of the planet every day. It sells that data through subscriptions to governments, defense agencies, insurers, farmers, and environmental groups.

That subscription model gives Planet a more predictable revenue base than launch companies. Demand for real-time satellite imagery is growing as businesses and governments need better data to make decisions.

Revenue growth has been slower than some expected, but the expanding customer base and recurring revenue model provide a stable long-term foundation.

Final Thoughts

Each of these three companies targets a different corner of the space economy. Rocket Lab handles infrastructure and launches. AST SpaceMobile is going after global mobile communications. Planet Labs is building a data business around Earth observation.

The commercial space sector is backed by rising government investment, defense modernization, and growing demand for satellite services. All three stocks carry more risk than traditional investments, but they each offer a distinct way to gain exposure to one of the fastest-growing industries in the market.