AST SpaceMobile, Rocket Lab, and SpaceX stocks experienced mixed trading on Tuesday, with ASTS jumping 10%, RKLB gaining 5%, and SPCX rising 3%, yet all three remain down 13%, 1%, and 23% respectively so far in 2026. The gains came amid sustained selling pressure that has prompted retail investors to debate whether the space sector has bottomed or faces further declines. A Stocktwits poll drew more than 5,700 votes, with 43% of respondents saying space stocks had bottomed and another 43% expecting more downside, reflecting deep uncertainty over valuation resets and funding requirements. The sector's volatility follows a euphoric rally tied to enthusiasm around SpaceX's initial public offering, which has since given way to concerns about capital intensity and intrinsic value. Goldman Sachs noted that its U.S. space and satellite basket was up about 13% through July 14 versus 9.8% for the S&P 500, but remains twice as volatile as AI stocks and five times as volatile as the broader market.
Stocktwits Poll Shows Retail Split on Space Stocks Bottom
A recent Stocktwits poll asked users whether space stocks had finally bottomed after weeks of steep declines. More than 5,700 users cast their votes, with sentiment split almost perfectly down the middle: 43% said the bottom was in, another 43% expected more downside, while the remaining 14% opted to view the results. Sentiment for ASTS was 'bullish' and RKLB 'extremely bullish' amid 'high' message volume, while SPCX remained 'bearish' amid 'normal' chatter.
The bullish camp believes that the correction has largely reset valuations after a euphoric rally fueled by enthusiasm around SpaceX's blockbuster initial public offering. "The market had time to take a breather plus a lot of space stocks are now much closer to their intrinsic value, which by itself acts like a strong support," one user said. Another investor stated: "Yes they are all at or near their bottom. Most have fallen to the spot before the June hype... Plus institutions need results now. Many are in the space stocks big."
Others were unconvinced. "No, they haven't bottomed, space is an endless void, and the companies need endless funding," one user said. Another investor singled out Rocket Lab, saying that the company's recent strength had more to do with ETF flows than company-specific fundamentals.
Rocket Lab Secures $266 Million Space Force Contract
Rocket Lab on Tuesday landed a $266 million U.S. Space Force contract to provide 12 suborbital launch vehicles, with options for six additional launches through 2028. The award followed the company's selection alongside SpaceX as one of seven providers under the National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 1 program, which carries a potential ceiling of $17 billion.
AST SpaceMobile Raises $984 Million in Convertible Notes
AST SpaceMobile completed a $1 billion convertible senior notes offering that generated $984 million in net proceeds to fund growth initiatives and secure additional launch capacity for its satellite-based cellular broadband network. The company also received approval from the Midland Development Corporation for a performance-based incentive agreement worth up to $66 million over 30 years to support construction of a new satellite manufacturing facility in Texas, subject to final city approval.
SpaceX Earnings Report Scheduled for Aug. 4
SpaceX has remained under the spotlight as investors prepare for the company's first earnings report as a public company on Aug. 4. The report will also pave the way for the first tranche of insider share unlocks, while investors continue to monitor upcoming Starship launches after recent test delays.
FAQ
What did the Stocktwits poll reveal about retail sentiment on space stocks?
The Stocktwits poll drew more than 5,700 votes, with 43% of respondents saying space stocks had bottomed and another 43% expecting more downside. The remaining 14% opted to view the results. Sentiment for ASTS was 'bullish' and RKLB 'extremely bullish' amid 'high' message volume, while SPCX remained 'bearish' amid 'normal' chatter.
How much did Rocket Lab's Space Force contract award total?
Rocket Lab on Tuesday landed a $266 million U.S. Space Force contract to provide 12 suborbital launch vehicles, with options for six additional launches through 2028. The award followed the company's selection alongside SpaceX as one of seven providers under the National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 1 program.
When is SpaceX scheduled to release its first earnings report as a public company?
SpaceX is scheduled to release its first earnings report as a public company on Aug. 4. The report will also pave the way for the first tranche of insider share unlocks.
