The space sector may be on the verge of its biggest moment yet. Reports and rumors are circulating that SpaceX, the world's largest space company, could announce its long-awaited IPO as early as mid-2026, with early estimates placing its valuation near $1.5 trillion. If that materializes, it would rank among the largest IPOs in history and could send the entire aerospace sector to new heights.
But even before SpaceX trades publicly, the space sector is already having a standout year. Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB) is up about 230% in the past year. Planet Labs (NYSE: PL) has surged more than 700% over the same period and is up a remarkable 65% year to date. With a rising defense budget, a potential landmark IPO on the horizon, and several sector names already delivering exceptional returns, 2026 is shaping up to be a defining year for space stocks. Here are two worth watching closely.
