2024 Shakeout: Space Stocks Face Turbulent Times

2024 has been a challenging year for space stocks following significant failures in launches. SpaceX stands out, while competitors like Astra Space face bankruptcy, impacting investor sentiments amid the chaos.

Date: 18-01-2025

AI Rating: 5

**Space Industry Challenges**: The report highlights a turbulent year for the space industry, particularly affecting companies such as Astra Space and Virgin Galactic, which have either faced severe operational challenges or have had to scale back operations. Astra Space, by experiencing only two successful launches out of seven, faced a drastic decline, selling itself for $0.50 per share after narrowly avoiding bankruptcy.

**Performance of Competitors**: Notably, Rocket Lab has emerged favorably amid the chaos, experiencing a fivefold increase in its stock price in 2024, attributed to effective contract acquisitions and an increasing rate of rocket launches. This indicates potential strong growth prospects in a struggling market.

**Evaluating Boeing and Lockheed Martin**: Companies like Boeing and Lockheed Martin have also faced challenges with their joint venture, United Launch Alliance (ULA), needing to prove their value in the space sector. Their stock attractiveness hinges on the success of the Vulcan Centaur rocket launches.

Stocks: RKLB BA LMT EADSY