The Nasdaq space index tracks publicly traded companies that actually make a big chunk of their money from space-related business. This benchmark gives investors a way to measure performance across the growing space economy, including everyone from satellite operators to rocket manufacturers.
Investors use the space index to get exposure to the fast-growing space economy. It only includes companies pulling in a substantial portion of their revenue from space operations.
The index covers several sectors within the industry. Satellite communications companies make up a big part, along with launch service providers and spacecraft manufacturers.
Ground-based support services and space tech developers also get in, as long as their space revenue matters.
To join the index, companies have to meet strict criteria. They can’t just have a side project in space; they need to make real money from it.
This approach helps the index reflect the true performance of the space economy.
The index uses a modified capitalization-weighted structure. Bigger companies sway the index more, but adjustments factor in how much of their revenue is actually space-related.
The index uses a float-adjusted weighting system that blends market cap with space revenue exposure. This stops companies with only minor space activities from distorting results.
Quarterly reviews keep the index up to date. Companies stay in only if they’re still generating meaningful space revenue and performing in the market.
Revenue percentage adjustments matter a lot for weighting. If a company makes 80% of its revenue from space, it gets a bigger slice than one with just 20% space revenue.
They also factor in float adjustments to account for shares actually available to trade. This makes the index feel more like a real snapshot of investable space companies.
Unlike broad tech indices, the space index sticks to companies with real space revenue. Tech indices might include some space firms, but they drown them out with unrelated tech stocks.
Performance metrics suggest the space index has outperformed general market indices. The focused approach lets investors target the space sector directly, instead of through a mixed bag of tech funds.
Other space-focused indices exist, but their selection and weighting rules vary. Some let in companies with barely any space revenue, while others are pickier.
The index offers pure-play exposure to space. If you want a direct shot at space industry growth, this is probably the way to go.
The space economy really leans on three main technology areas. Satellite communications, launch services, and climate monitoring systems form the backbone of most publicly traded space companies.
Satellite communication companies make up the largest chunk of space tech indexes. These firms design, build, and run communication satellites for internet, TV, and phone service all over the world.
Big operators like Viasat and Iridium Communications control fleets of dozens or even hundreds of satellites. They earn revenue from government contracts and commercial customers who need solid communication networks.
Key satellite communication services include:
This sector usually brings in steady revenue through long-term contracts. Government agencies often sign multi-year deals worth hundreds of millions.
New mega-constellation projects are shaking up the market. Companies are racing to launch thousands of small satellites for global high-speed internet.
Launch service providers are another crucial piece of space tech indexes. These companies build and operate rockets that send satellites, cargo, and sometimes crew into space.
SpaceX has taken over the commercial launch market with its Falcon 9 rockets. Their reusable tech has slashed launch costs over the last ten years.
Traditional aerospace names like United Launch Alliance still serve government clients. They handle national security missions that demand proven reliability.
Launch service revenue streams include:
Launch companies deal with high development costs and big risks. A rocket failure can cost hundreds of millions and shake up customer trust.
Still, the industry is benefiting from more demand for satellites. More satellites mean more rocket launches, so business stays steady for these companies.
Space technology is taking on a bigger role in climate monitoring and disaster management. Earth observation satellites gather data about weather, natural disasters, and environmental shifts.
Companies like Planet Labs run fleets of small imaging satellites. These capture daily photos of Earth’s surface to track things like deforestation and crop health.
Weather satellites provide crucial data for hurricane tracking and flood predictions. Government agencies use this info to issue warnings and organize emergency responses.
Climate monitoring capabilities include:
The climate technology sector draws government funding for R&D. NASA and NOAA give contracts to companies building advanced Earth observation systems.
Private firms are also finding ways to make money from climate data. They sell insights for agriculture, disaster risk, and environmental compliance to businesses.
Tracking the space index means you need up-to-date market data, especially during the trading day. Real-time and delayed feeds can make a difference, and there are plenty of platforms out there, each with their own level of access.
Real-time intraday data gives you immediate price updates as trades happen. It’s usually pricier, but traders who want the latest moves in the space index rely on it.
Most financial platforms offer real-time data if you pay for a subscription. Pro traders need this instant access to make fast decisions about space sector bets.
Delayed intraday data comes in 15-20 minutes after trades execute. Most free financial sites give you this kind of info, which works for casual investors who aren’t glued to every tick.
A short delay might not sound like much, but it can matter when trading gets wild. Space stocks sometimes move fast on launch news or contract wins.
Long-term investors usually get by with delayed data. Active traders, though, want real-time feeds to stay competitive.
Major financial platforms show space index pricing on their sites and apps. Yahoo Finance and Google Finance give you basic delayed data for free.
If you want the full package, platforms like Bloomberg Terminal and Refinitiv Eikon offer real-time data and deep analytics—but be ready for a hefty monthly bill.
Brokerage accounts often bundle in real-time data, especially if you trade a lot. Some brokers even throw it in for free if you hit certain trading minimums.
Popular ways to access prices:
Each platform has its own flavor—some offer customizable charts, technical tools, or price alerts.
Space index prices can swing for all sorts of reasons, both company-specific and sector-wide. Launch successes or failures can move the whole group of space stocks in a flash.
Government contract announcements are a big deal. NASA awards, military satellite contracts, and international space deals can spark trading frenzies.
Market sentiment changes with breakthroughs or setbacks. Successful rocket landings, satellite deployments, and space tourism milestones usually boost investor mood.
Wider economic factors matter too. Things like interest rate hikes and inflation can change how investors see these high-growth aerospace names.
Main price drivers:
Investors keep an eye on these to guess at price swings and tweak their space index holdings.
The S-Network Space Index splits space companies into two main groups: Satellite Operators and Hardware manufacturers. It really favors pure-play space companies, giving 80% of its weighting to firms making at least half their revenue from space.
The index includes four key types of companies that make up the core of the space industry. Satellite Operators own or run satellites and their subsystems. Some operate entire satellites, while others lease out capabilities to other firms.
Satellite Prime Manufacturers deliver full satellites, ready for launch. Many also offer post-launch services for customers or their own business arms.
Launch Vehicle Prime Manufacturers build orbital and suborbital rockets. These companies usually do the launches themselves or partner closely with launch operators, since it’s such a technical job.
Spacecraft Components and Ground Equipment firms make parts for spacecraft or ground systems that connect to space tech. This includes supply chain partners and makers of ground gear like satellite antennas and GPS receivers.
The index sticks to its space tech focus by using a strict selection process. Companies must show they’re really involved in space-related activities to get in.
It gives priority to pure-play space companies. These firms make most or all of their yearly revenue from space, so the index stays concentrated on the real space economy.
The index currently lists 31 companies across its four categories. Some hardware firms qualify for more than one category because they do a bit of everything in space tech.
Companies come from different countries but have to meet minimum space revenue thresholds. This screens out big conglomerates with tiny space divisions and keeps the focus on real space tech players.
The S-Network Space Index has turned in strong returns, beating traditional market benchmarks by a wide margin. Volatility often comes from regulatory changes, launch results, and how investors feel about new space tech.
Last year, the space index posted an eye-popping 51.99% gain, leaving the broader market’s 12.69% in the dust. Year-to-date numbers look solid too, with 22.26% returns compared to the usual indices’ 7.07%.
These results show investors are getting more comfortable with commercial space ventures. Big names like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic keep driving performance with successful launches and growing customer lists.
The index tracks around 30 publicly traded space companies. That includes satellite makers, launch providers, and space tourism outfits. Revenue from government contracts and commercial deals helps keep valuations high.
If you look back, the space sector tends to move in cycles. Strong quarters often follow big rocket launches or contract wins. Quarterly earnings from established aerospace players can add some stability when things get choppy.
Space index volatility usually runs 15-25% higher than what you see in broader market indices.
When a launch fails, related company stocks often take a hit almost immediately.
But when a mission succeeds, prices across the sector can spike—sometimes in dramatic fashion.
Regulatory changes play a big role in shaping performance trends.
FAA licensing decisions for commercial launches can hit multiple companies at once.
NASA contract awards shake things up too, causing big swings for both winners and losers.
Market sentiment around speculative tech investments really moves space stock valuations.
During risk-off periods, investors tend to pull out of growth-oriented space companies first.
Economic uncertainty just turns up the volume on these volatility patterns.
Supply chain disruptions slow down manufacturing timelines for spacecraft and satellites.
If there’s a component shortage, missions might get delayed for months, and stock prices can feel the pain for a while.
Geopolitical tensions don’t help either—they can mess with international partnerships and contracts.
The space economy keeps expanding, opening up all kinds of ways for investors to jump in. These days, several specialized exchange-traded funds let you get direct exposure to companies pushing space innovation and commercialization.
There are four main ETFs that give investors access to space-related companies and tech.
ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX) stands out for its liquidity, averaging 247,000 shares traded daily.
It manages $385.2 billion in assets, making it the biggest player in the space ETF world.
The Procure Space ETF (UFO) focuses on companies earning a significant chunk of revenue from space activities.
SPDR S&P Kensho Final Frontiers ETF (ROKT) charges the lowest annual fee, just 0.45%, which is nice for long-term holders.
Spear Alpha ETF (SPRX) has had a strong run lately, up 23.96% in just one month.
These funds spread investments across different space sectors.
They typically hold satellite manufacturers, launch service providers, space tourism companies, and defense contractors.
The diversified approach helps lower individual company risk while letting investors ride the overall space economy’s growth.
Space ETFs give you a piece of a sector that could hit $1.8 trillion by 2035.
The space tourism market alone expects wild growth—44.8% annually through 2030, possibly reaching $10.09 billion.
Rising global defense budgets support military space projects and satellite systems.
Still, these investments come with plenty of volatility.
Space companies often lean heavily on government contracts, which can change without warning.
Regulatory hurdles can mess with launch schedules and business operations.
It’s a fiercely competitive sector with big capital needs.
Technology failures or launch accidents can hit several holdings at once.
Honestly, long-term investment usually works out better than trying to time the market in this space.
The Procure Space ETF tracks the S-Network Space Index, focusing on companies that pull at least half their revenue from space-related activities.
This fund holds a pretty diverse mix of aerospace companies and space technology firms from all over the globe.
The Procure Space ETF aims to match the performance of the S-Network Space Index before fees and expenses.
It sticks to an 80% investment policy—so, at least 80% of assets go into securities from the underlying index.
Companies get included when they make at least 50% of their revenue or profits from space industry segments.
The fund defines space activities as anything happening above the Kármán line, 100 kilometers above Earth.
The S-Network Space Index uses a tier-weighted structure instead of market cap weighting.
This helps balance exposure across different industry segments and company sizes.
ProcureAM launched the fund on April 11, 2019, making it one of the earliest pure-play space ETFs out there.
You’ll find it trading on NASDAQ under the ticker UFO.
As of August 25, 2025, Viasat Inc sits at the top, making up 8.71% of total net assets.
The satellite communications company provides broadband and secure networking for both military and commercial clients.
Rocket Lab Corp comes next at 6.72%, then EchoStar Corp at 6.55%.
Other big names include MDA Space Ltd (5.89%) and AST SpaceMobile Inc (5.10%).
The top 10 holdings make up about 54% of the fund’s assets.
This setup gives you focused exposure to leading space companies, but there’s still some diversification across industry segments.
Current Top 5 Holdings:
The portfolio stretches across satellite operators, launch services, space tech manufacturers, and companies building space-based applications.
This broad allocation captures growth from all corners of the commercial space economy.
The space tourism market is in rapid expansion mode, with valuations expected to hit anywhere from $5.1 billion to $79.8 billion by 2035.
Commercial space travel has moved from experimental flights to more regular passenger services, and that’s catching a lot of investor attention.
Suborbital flights hold the biggest chunk of the space tourism market right now—about 48.5% market share.
These flights give people a taste of space without going all the way into orbit.
Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin have focused on these suborbital experiences.
Their trips last about 90 minutes and give passengers a few minutes of weightlessness.
Orbital flights are growing even faster, with annual growth over 45%.
SpaceX leads this area, sending its Dragon capsule to the International Space Station.
The space tourism market breaks down into three main types:
Private space companies have slashed launch costs by 90% over the past twenty years.
That makes space travel possible for more people, not just the ultra-wealthy.
Satellite launches have also jumped by 50% annually in the same period, which shows how the whole space economy is expanding.
Analysts expect space tourism to grow at compound annual rates between 16.8% and 44.9% through 2035.
Different research groups have their own estimates, depending on how they see the market playing out.
The S&P Kensho Space Index recently shot up 49%, boosted by defense demand and excitement over tourism.
That kind of performance speaks to strong investor confidence in space companies.
High Net Worth Individuals are looking for unique experiences, and that’s driving a lot of demand for commercial spaceflight.
Government and private research investment keeps ramping up.
NASA’s commercial crew program and private company projects both add fuel to this market’s growth.
The wider space economy hit $630 billion in 2023 and could reach $1.8 trillion by 2035.
Space tourism is becoming a bigger slice of that pie.
Space-focused ETFs like ARKX and UFO are attracting a lot of capital, giving investors a way in without picking individual stocks.
You can grab space index data from a bunch of financial platforms and data services, each offering something a little different.
Most have both free and premium versions, with different levels of detail.
Yahoo Finance gives free access to the S-Network Space Index right on its website.
You can see real-time quotes, historical charts, and basic performance stats without needing to sign up.
The site displays daily price moves and trading volumes.
Historical data goes back several years, and you can download it as a CSV for your own analysis.
Google Finance offers similar tools, with a simple interface for tracking space indices.
It shows current values and basic charts.
FT.com takes a more professional approach, offering detailed market analysis and comprehensive price data alongside expert commentary.
MSN Money pulls together space index info, price forecasts, and market insights.
It blends data from different sources to give retail investors a broad look at the market.
Nasdaq Data Link is the go-to for professional-grade space index data, available through its API.
It offers real-time and historical data feeds, mostly used by institutional investors and analysts.
You’ll need a subscription for access, but you get comprehensive datasets with frequent updates.
The platform works with Python, R, Excel, and other tools for custom analysis.
Nasdaq’s Global Index Data Service distributes space index info to over 600 financial firms worldwide.
That’s where you’ll find the most extensive coverage.
Third-party vendors often resell Nasdaq space index data through their own platforms.
Sometimes they add extra analytical tools or special formatting for different user needs.
Financial data providers work under strict rules that govern how you access and use their data.
These regulations aim to protect data integrity and ensure responsible distribution to investment professionals.
Financial Times sets out detailed terms for data usage across all investment products.
These rules apply to space sector indices and related financial instruments.
You need an active subscription to access real-time pricing data.
Redistribution restrictions mean you can’t share proprietary index info without written consent.
Commercial use needs a separate licensing agreement.
If investment firms want to use FT data for client portfolios, they need extra permissions.
These agreements cover liability, data accuracy, and reporting requirements.
Data accuracy disclaimers protect providers from the effects of market volatility.
Space stocks swing more than traditional sectors, and users acknowledge that past performance doesn’t guarantee future results.
Termination clauses let providers cut access immediately if you break the rules.
Violations can lead to permanent account closure and legal action.
Investment professionals have to handle space sector data with care and transparency.
Fiduciary duties mean they need to represent index performance to clients accurately.
You can’t use data for market manipulation or insider trading.
Space companies often deal with regulatory news that can move stock prices in a big way.
Traders must follow all securities regulations when acting on index data.
Client disclosure rules require clear explanations about index methodologies.
Investors should know how space sector indices weigh different company types—satellite operators, launch providers, tech manufacturers, and so on.
Professional advisors have to keep data confidential when serving multiple clients.
Information barriers help prevent conflicts of interest in space sector investments.
Firms usually run regular compliance audits and use automated systems to monitor data usage.
The space economy keeps growing at a record pace, fueled by new investment and technological breakthroughs.
Private companies now move beyond just government contracts, building diverse revenue streams that make the sector’s financial base even stronger.
Commercial spaceflight companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin are shaking up the industry with reusable rocket tech. These rockets cut launch costs by almost 90%, which suddenly makes getting to space a real option for businesses and researchers.
The space tourism market looks like a huge growth opportunity. Virgin Galactic and a few others are working on business models that let regular people—well, wealthy ones—experience space travel. This opens up new revenue streams that sit alongside the old-school satellite and cargo businesses.
Manufacturing in orbit is getting attention too. Companies are building factories up there to make fiber optics and pharmaceuticals you just can’t create on Earth. They need regular deliveries and crew swaps to keep things running.
Key technological advances include:
Government partnerships still play a big role. NASA’s Commercial Crew Program and military contracts give companies a steady income while they chase new commercial markets.
The space economy hit $424 billion in 2022. Even with investment dropping from its 2021 peak, the sector showed real resilience. That kind of scale gives all sorts of companies a shot at joining the action.
Earth observation services pull in big revenue from things like crop monitoring and weather forecasting. John Deere, for example, uses satellite data in its farming gear, which means the market now stretches way beyond just aerospace giants.
Satellite internet constellations keep launch demand steady. Starlink and others need thousands of satellites, so manufacturers and launch providers have a pretty predictable business there.
Space mining could be the next big thing. Asteroids might hold rare metals we need for electronics and green energy. Companies are racing to figure out how to actually mine these resources.
Growth in space activity also means more chances for companies that support those missions. Ground equipment makers, software developers, and logistics firms all stand to gain. They get to benefit from the space boom without worrying about building rockets themselves.
People ask a lot about the NASDAQ Space Index, especially when it comes to which companies make the cut, how it stacks up against regular sectors, and how to invest if you want a piece of the commercial space action.
The NASDAQ Space Index tracks public companies from all corners of the space industry. Big names like Boeing and Lockheed Martin represent the classic defense contractors with space divisions.
Satellite communications companies play a major role too. These folks run satellite networks for global internet and telecom services.
Some commercial launch providers are included if they trade publicly. SpaceX, though, is still private, so you won’t find it in these indices.
Emerging space tech firms fill out the rest. They work on things like satellite manufacturing, clearing space debris, and providing orbital services.
Space industry indices have outperformed broader market benchmarks by a good margin. The S&P Kensho Space Index, for instance, has posted returns that beat the S&P 500 by quite a bit.
That kind of performance probably says a lot about investor excitement for commercial space applications. Satellite internet and space tourism seem to be fueling most of that optimism.
But space indices are a wild ride. They’re more volatile than your typical sector indices. Big contract wins or successful launches can send prices soaring—or crashing if something goes wrong.
The 52-week range for these indices can swing a lot. Numbers have jumped from 624 points to over 1,288 points lately, which just shows how unpredictable this sector can be.
Government contracts can move the index fast. NASA and Space Force awards hit several companies at once and investors react quickly.
Launch success rates matter a lot too. If a mission fails or gets delayed, it usually drags down most space stocks.
Regulatory changes from the FAA or FCC can shake things up. New rules for commercial launches or satellite spectrum can bump company valuations up or down.
Big tech breakthroughs also make waves. When someone nails reusable rockets or advances satellite manufacturing, the index usually gets a boost.
Exchange-traded funds are probably the easiest way in. Several ETFs follow space-focused indices and trade on the big exchanges.
If you want to pick and choose, you can buy stocks of specific aerospace or satellite companies from the index.
Index funds that mirror space industry performance offer a more diversified route. These usually hold dozens of space-related stocks across different segments.
Options and derivatives tied to space indices let experienced traders hedge or speculate on where the sector’s headed.
Companies need to make a big chunk of their money from space-related work. Index providers usually want at least 50% of business tied to space.
Market cap matters too. Companies have to be big enough and trade often enough for institutional investors to get involved.
You have to be public, plain and simple. Private companies like SpaceX can’t join, no matter how important they are.
Some indices focus on US-listed companies, while others include international space firms. It depends on the index rules.
The Space Index has posted strong returns lately. Over the past year, it jumped 61.55%.
In the last six months, the index gained 33.05%. That’s a pretty striking number, honestly.
Quarterly performance seems to be picking up speed. In just three months, returns hit 28.26%, which easily outpaced the broader market.
Investors keep piling into space stocks, judging by daily trading. The index even broke through new 52-week highs, climbing above 1,288 points in recent sessions.
Despite some market swings, the monthly performance has stayed positive. A 0.71% monthly return shows both institutional and retail investors are still accumulating shares.
