STARTRADER launched 30 new U.S. stock and ETF CFDs on August 24, 2026, expanding access to emerging sectors including quantum computing, space, nuclear energy, AI, and robotics. The expansion adds instruments across eight thematic areas with leverage up to 1:5 and trading hours Monday-Friday 16:30-23:00 GMT+3.

Space stocks have recovered somewhat after a historic decline following SpaceX's June IPO. The U.S. Space Force awarded a $981 million NITE-STAR contract to 15 space companies, but the contract's modest per-company value ($6.5 million annually on average) is unlikely to significantly move the needle. Despite government support, space stocks remain richly valued with average price-to-sales ratios around 65.4, suggesting caution for investors.

NASA announced nearly $600 million in new lunar landing contracts split among three space companies to support its moon base construction plans. Astrobotic received the largest award at $297.9 million for two payload deliveries, while Intuitive Machines and Firefly Aerospace each received $148.3 million and $144.2 million respectively for single payload deliveries. However, profitability timelines remain distant for these contractors.

The article compares two space infrastructure companies: AST SpaceMobile, which is building a satellite cellular network for direct smartphone connectivity, and Intuitive Machines, which provides lunar infrastructure and services. While both are pre-profitable, Intuitive Machines is recommended as the better 2026 buy due to its more conservative valuation (P/S ratio of 4.7x vs. 188x), stronger near-term revenue growth projections, and positive free cash flow, despite AST SpaceMobile's exciting long-term potential.

SpaceX's stock has declined 11% since its June IPO, but the broader space sector remains strong with a $1.85 trillion market cap. Capital is returning to smaller space companies working with SpaceX on government and telecom contracts. Three alternative space stocks to consider are Rocket Lab (RKLB), AST SpaceMobile (ASTS), and Intuitive Machines (LUNR), each with different growth catalysts and profitability timelines.

As Wall Street rotates away from crowded, overvalued AI software trades, institutional investors are positioning in undervalued sectors with tangible assets and government contracts. The article highlights opportunities in advanced aviation, commercial space, and energy sectors, where companies have strong backlogs, de-risked manufacturing partnerships, and technical mean-reversion setups.

Intuitive Machines' SVP and Chief Technology Officer Timothy Price Crain II sold 150,000 Class A shares worth $3.3 million on June 18, 2026, through a pre-scheduled Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. The sale represents routine portfolio management rather than a loss of confidence, as the executive retained substantial holdings. The company continues to show operational momentum with record Q1 revenue of $186.7 million and a $1.1 billion backlog.

MDA Space is positioning itself as a cross-border defense champion through a $620 million acquisition of Blue Canyon Technologies from RTX Corp and a C$688 million satellite contract with the Canadian Space Agency. Despite strong Q1 2026 earnings (32.2% YoY revenue growth), the stock trades at a significant valuation discount compared to peers. The Blue Canyon acquisition provides access to US defense contracts through localized assets and security clearances, unlocking a $3.5 billion addressable pipeline. Recent price weakness is attributed to derivative-driven hedging rather than fundamental concerns.

SpaceX's post-IPO rally has dominated investor attention in the space sector, but its recent pullback from peak valuations could benefit smaller competitors. AST SpaceMobile, Rocket Lab, and Intuitive Machines are positioned to attract investors seeking exposure to space technology at more reasonable valuations.

Following SpaceX's record $1.77 trillion IPO, the article compares it with Intuitive Machines, which dropped 20% post-IPO. While SpaceX projects 73.5% revenue CAGR through 2028, it trades at an expensive 117x sales multiple and remains unprofitable due to losses in space and AI divisions. Intuitive Machines, though smaller with declining 2025 revenue, is valued more reasonably at 17x sales, projects faster 87.8% CAGR growth, and has a simpler business model focused on NASA lunar contracts. The analyst recommends Intuitive Machines as the better long-term investment despite SpaceX's higher growth expectations.

Intuitive Machines announced a $500 million share sale in early June when its stock was near $46, potentially diluting shareholders by only 7.8%. Though the stock has since crashed 46% due to SpaceX IPO competition and broader market sell-offs, the company may have successfully raised cash before the collapse. The $500 million windfall could fund operations until the company reaches positive free cash flow in 2027-2028, potentially eliminating future capital raises.

Voyager Technologies, a space station company building the Starlab replacement for the International Space Station, has acquired lunar lander company Astrobotic for up to $300 million. This move positions Voyager to become a leading NASA contractor for lunar missions, with Astrobotic's Griffin lander and LunaGrid power system adding critical capabilities for building a permanent moon base. The acquisition could prove highly valuable given Astrobotic's $323 million NASA contract and potential to reclaim a $610 million VIPER lander contract.