1 Unstoppable Space Trend to Invest $1,000 in Right Now (Hint: It's Not SpaceX)

Space Exploration Technologies (NASDAQ: SPCX) may hog the headlines, but there's more to the space economy than just Elon Musk's multitrillion-dollar company. Right now, the best pure-play, end-to-end space business I see out there is Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB). For investors interested in small and medium-lift rocket launches, a $1,000 investment in Rocket Lab now could end up in the financial stratosphere.

Rocket Lab designs, constructs, and operates satellites in addition to its launch services. The financials behind the business are lifting off as well. In the first quarter of 2026, Rocket Lab's revenue grew 63.5% to just over $200 million.

Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue "

The Space Systems segment, which focuses on satellites and their components, is rapidly expanding and has even surpassed the launch business. The demand is there, and Rocket Lab boasts more than $2 billion in contracts in its backlog waiting to be executed.

Lastly, Rocket Lab is moving into reusable medium-lift rockets with a targeted launch date of late 2026. The launch of Neutron will compete with SpaceX's Falcon 9 for medium-lift contracts. The defense industry has taken notice, and Rocket Lab already has a lucrative deal with the Space Force.

The excitement surrounding the space industry has certainly benefited Rocket Lab. The company's stock soared more than 190% in the past 12 months. Rocket Lab isn't profitable yet, but the successful launch of Neutron could bring it closer to profitability.

Momentum is certainly on Rocket Lab's side, and its lofty ambitions would serve investors well, with some patience and an extra $1,000. The stock is very volatile, as is the industry as a whole, and it's pricey at 73x trailing sales. Still, in the long term, there's significant upside potential.

Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again

In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. If you'd invested $5,000 then, you'd be sitting on $2,583,904 today.*

Now, for the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. It's a key player in the $1.8 trillion space race, and with the stock recently sitting 20% off its highs, the window to get in early is closing fast.