Elon Musk’s SpaceX remains the dominant force in commercial space launches, setting the industry standard for cost-efficiency and launch frequency. But today’s space economy is no longer a one-company show. Governments want backup launch providers for national security reasons, satellite operators want competitive pricing and lunar missions are evolving into a recurring business.
For investors, this new space race presents an opportunity. The challenge is that many of SpaceX’s closest competitors are private companies. Still, there are several ways to invest and gain exposure.
Here are seven companies competing most directly with SpaceX in space travel and exploration, plus realistic ways to invest in them.
Also see five stocks to keep an eye on in 2026, according to experts.
1. Blue Origin (Private)
Founded by Jeff Bezos, Blue Origin is arguably SpaceX’s closest peer in the U.S. market. The company is developing the New Glenn heavy lift rocket and competing for NASA and national security launch contracts. Blue Origin also plays a major role in lunar exploration initiatives.
How to invest: Blue Origin is privately held, meaning there is no public stock to buy. Most investors can access it only indirectly through private market funds or secondary marketplaces, which are generally limited to accredited investors.
Check Out: Self-Made Millionaires Suggest 5 Stocks You Should Never Sell
Explore More: 6 Safe Accounts Proven To Grow Your Money Up To 13x Faster
2. United Launch Alliance (via Boeing and Lockheed Martin)
United Launch Alliance, commonly known as ULA, is one of SpaceX’s most direct competitors for U.S. government launches. The company operates Vulcan Centaur and focuses heavily on national security and NASA missions. ULA is jointly owned by Boeing and Lockheed Martin.
How to invest: ULA is not publicly traded, but you can gain exposure by owning shares of its parent companies, Boeing (BA) and Lockheed Martin (LMT).
3. Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab has established itself as a credible launch provider with a growing cadence. While best known for its Electron rocket, the company is expanding into larger payloads and deeper space missions. Unlike many space startups, Rocket Lab is already public and generating revenue.
How to invest: Buy shares of Rocket Lab (RKLB) directly or gain exposure through space-themed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that include it among their holdings.
4. Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman is not a consumer-facing space brand, but it is a major player in launch systems, propulsion and space infrastructure. It competes for NASA and Department of Defense missions.
How to invest: Invest directly in Northrop Grumman (NOC) or through a broad aerospace and defense ETF.
5. Arianespace and ArianeGroup (via Airbus and Safran)
Europe’s answer to SpaceX runs through the Ariane program. ArianeGroup, a joint venture between Airbus and Safran, develops launch vehicles, while Arianespace handles commercial launches. This ecosystem supports Europe’s independent access to space.
How to invest: Investors can gain exposure through the parent companies, Airbus (EADSY) and Safran (SAFRY). Both trade publicly, including via U.S.-listed American depositary receipts.
6. Virgin Galactic
Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic focuses on suborbital human spaceflight rather than orbital launches. While it does not compete directly with Falcon 9 or Starship, it does operate in the commercial space travel segment and attracts investors interested in space tourism.
How to invest: Virgin Galactic shares trade publicly under the ticker symbol SPCE. This is a highly volatile stock, and the business model carries significant execution risk, so do your due diligence before investing.
7. Firefly Aerospace
Firefly Aerospace has gained attention for its lunar delivery capabilities and NASA contracts.
How to invest: Firefly (FLY) is a publicly traded stock. It had an initial public offering in mid-2025.
Practical Ways To Invest In the ‘Space Race’
Now that you know some of the major players in the space race, here are some ways to invest in the sector.
Build a Diversified Stock Basket
You can blend pure-play space exposure with established defense contractors. A mix of Rocket Lab, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Airbus and Safran spreads risk across launch, infrastructure and government contracts.
Use Space-Focused ETFs
ETFs can provide diversified exposure without betting on a single winner. Space- and defense-focused funds often hold Rocket Lab alongside traditional aerospace firms. Rocket Lab is the second-largest holding in the ARK Space & Defense Innovation ETF (ARKX), for example.
Editor’s note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Always consider your individual circumstances and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.
More From GOBankingRates
- Mark Cuban Warns 4 Key Industries Could Crumble in the Next Recession
- How Much Groceries Cost Americans 10 Years Ago vs. Today
- How Middle-Class Earners Are Quietly Becoming Millionaires -- and How You Can, Too
- 6 Safe Accounts Proven to Grow Your Money Up to 13x Faster
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: The New Space Race: 7 Companies Battling Musk — and How To Invest In Them
