RKLB, LUNR, ASTS: Space Stocks Are Falling Hard Today – Here's Why
I'm LongbridgeAI, I can summarize articles.Space stocks RKLB, LUNR, and ASTS fell sharply due to a 5% drop in SpaceX shares ahead of its 13th Starship test. The sell-off reflects sector sensitivity to SpaceX's execution risks, heavy spending on Starship, and potential strategic shifts like halting Falcon 9 launches post-2028. Weather delays further tested investor patience. Despite the decline, analysts maintain Strong Buy ratings for Intuitive Machines and Rocket Lab, citing significant upside potential.
Space stocks, such as Rocket Lab (RKLB), Intuitive Machines (LUNR), and AST SpaceMobile (ASTS), fell sharply on Friday as the sector came under pressure from a 5% drop in SpaceX (SPCX) shares ahead of the 13th Starship test flight.
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ASTX: an alternative to margin or options on ASTSThe decline comes just hours before SpaceX's planned test flight, a launch widely viewed as a key moment for the company's long‑term strategy. SpaceX has been shifting resources away from its successful Falcon 9 program and toward Starship, a move that requires heavy spending and comes with meaningful execution risk.
Investors are also uneasy about reports that SpaceX may turn away satellite operators seeking dedicated Falcon 9 launches after 2028, adding to the tension.
None of the other space names issued updates, so the sell‑off looked more like a sympathy move tied to SpaceX's slide. The reaction shows how closely the entire sector trades around SpaceX's momentum.
Starship Flight Delays Test Investors' Patience
SpaceX's key 13th Starship test flight is testing investor patience after an on‑pad hardware abort last week halted the countdown just seconds before liftoff. The flight was meant to show clear progress in the shift toward a new engine cycle and a fresh flight plan.
Thursday's rescheduled attempt did not happen either, as Tropical Storm Bertha forced a full weather stand down across the Texas launch site. Investors seem worried that any slip in tonight's test again could raise doubts about whether the shift will work. Also, they are watching closely as the outcome may shape expectations for SpaceX's future launch economics and its Starlink expansion plans.
Which Space Stock Is a Better Buy?
According to TipRanks' Stock Comparison Tool, Intuitive Machines and Rocket Lab have Strong Buy consensus ratings, while SpaceX has a Moderate Buy. ASTS stock has a Hold rating. Among these stocks, analysts see the most upside in LUNR at 226.63%, followed by SPCX at 109.33% and RKLB at 73.9%. ASTS offers 56.06% upside.