NASA has assigned SpaceX to launch the StarBurst satellite on a Falcon 9 rideshare mission by 2028, intensifying competition for small-launch providers like Rocket Lab. SpaceX shows strong cash flow and a robust backlog, making it a safer choice for retirement investors despite high valuation multiples. Rocket Lab, while cheaper and growing fast with its upcoming Neutron rocket, faces higher volatility, execution risks, and ongoing losses, appealing more to risk-tolerant investors.
The decision highlights SpaceX's dominance and the challenges for smaller competitors in the evolving space launch market. SpaceX shares are currently priced at USD 150.93, down 2.47% on Pluang, while Rocket Lab trades lower at USD 64.17 with a 5.38% decline as of Sep 18, 2026 22:51 WIB. The platform shows a higher sell activity for Rocket Lab at 91% compared to SpaceX's 75%, reflecting differing investor sentiment toward these space industry players.
