The recent announcement from President Donald Trump, alongside a photo of the Moon captioned “The Moon is ours,” has raised eyebrows amidst a significant increase in U.S. space funding. While his declaration doesn’t change the legal standings dictated by the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which prohibits claims on celestial bodies, it coincides with a substantial budget boost for the U.S. Space Force. The Fiscal Year 2027 budget request includes $71.2 billion, a notable increase aimed at advancing U.S. capabilities in space.
This financial commitment is likely to influence defense procurement in favor of established space companies, already facing record backlogs due to demand from programs like missile defense and the Artemis lunar initiative.
Key Space Stocks to Monitor:
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Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) – They secured a $35 billion contract for THAAD interceptor production, with a backlog totaling $230 billion. Shares are up 11.68% this year.
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Rocket Lab (NASDAQ:RKLB) – Revenues jumped 62%, and they secured a $266 million contract with the Space Force. Shares rose by 50.68% over the past year.
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Intuitive Machines (NASDAQ:LUNR) – They are a key player in lunar exploration, seeing a significant increase in revenue and backlog. Management projects revenues of $900 million to $1 billion for 2026.
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Redwire (NYSE:RDW) – Their revenue soared nearly 90% this quarter, and they are involved in several critical contracts for NASA missions. Shares are up 39.47% this year.
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SpaceX (NASDAQ:SPCX) – With substantial revenue growth and numerous contracts with the Space Force, they continue to be a pivotal player in the industry.
What’s Next:
Keep an eye on upcoming NASA contracts, Rocket Lab’s first Neutron static fire test, and further announcements from the Missile Defense Agency. The speed of procurement will be key in determining if the momentum in the space sector continues, especially in light of potential increases in demand driven by government commitments.
