Space Stocks Surge Ahead of SpaceX’s Starship Test, Highlighting Broader Market Optimism

Space-technology stocks rallied sharply on Monday as investors positioned for SpaceX's eleventh Starship test flight. Rocket Lab, AST SpaceMobile, Intuitive Machines, Planet Labs, and Redwire climbed an average of 6%, extending their year-to-date surge to 125%. The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average posted modest gains of 1.5% and 1.1%, respectively.

The rally underscores growing confidence in SpaceX's launch dominance and its Ripple effects across the commercial space sector. Wall Street analysts maintain strong conviction, with nearly 80% recommending buys on these stocks—a stark contrast to the 55% average buy rating across the S&P 500.

SpaceX's 400-foot Starship, the largest rocket ever built, aims to demonstrate cost efficiencies that could revolutionize interplanetary travel. Today's 6:15 p.m. Central time launch window marks its most ambitious test yet, with payload capacity and Mars mission viability hanging in the balance.