There’s a buzz about investing in space companies in 2026. In particular, the prospect of SpaceX becoming the largest company ever to float on the stock market is prompting investor interest. So should you invest in the final frontier?

Once the preserve of governments and billionaires, space is rapidly becoming a commercial industry – and an investment theme. Falling launch costs, rising demand for satellite services, and growing geopolitical interest have pushed space technology closer the mainstream. But what does investing in space really mean for everyday investors in Ireland?

Can you really invest in space?

Yes, certainly.  There are several routes to gaining exposure to the sector.  Investors can access space through:

  • Publicly listed space-related companies, such as satellite manufacturers, launch providers, and space infrastructure firms.
  • Space-focused investment funds, which bundle exposure across dozens of companies.
  • Funds with private holdings, which may include stakes in companies like SpaceX – including one of our long-term favourites, where SpaceX accounts for 15% of the fund.

For most investors, funds are the most practical and diversified way to invest in the sector.

How have space investments performed?

As a viable investment sector, space has existed for less than a decade.  And over that time, performance has been mixed. But momentum has improved significantly over the last 18 months.

Public space companies have experienced volatility, reflecting high initial costs and long development timelines. Many firms are still pre-profit. That can make share prices sensitive to funding conditions and technical milestones.

Investor interest has grown more recently driven by defence spending, satellite broadband, and earth-observation data.

As with other thematic investments — such as clean energy or AI — returns can be uneven in the short term. Space investing generally suits investors with a long-term horizon and a tolerance for volatility, and as small part of a broader portfolio.

What do space companies actually do?

Space investing isn’t just about rockets and astronauts. The modern space economy spans a wide range of commercial activities, many of which already play a role in everyday life here on earth.

Key segments include:

  • Launch services, providing rockets to deploy satellites and cargo into orbit.
  • Satellite communications, supporting broadband internet, mobile networks, and secure communications.
  • Earth observation and data analytics, used in agriculture, climate monitoring, insurance and defence.
  • In-orbit services, including satellite servicing, debris removal and orbital logistics.
  • Builders of space infrastructure and components, such as propulsion systems, robotics and sensors.

This breadth is one reason investors are increasingly viewing space as a structural growth theme rather than a niche bet.

Two funds for space exposure

For investors looking for diversified exposure, two funds stand out.  VanEck Space Innovators ETF (which uses the unforgettable ticker JEDI) holds a range of publicly listed companies which are involved in space and satellite technology.  It has positions in mature businesses like Viasat [LINK], a business formed in the 1980s which is now valued at almost $6 billion. It provides satellite internet and networking systems for commercial and military use.

Seraphim Space Investment Trust is quite different. Essentially a listed venture capital vehicle, it focuses on early- and growth-stage space companies, many of which are still privately held. Its portfolio spans satellite operators, launch technology, space data platforms and enabling technologies.

Is SpaceX Going to IPO?

The potential SpaceX initial public offering is one of the most anticipated market events of the decade.  The company’s technology for reusable rocket launches, and its Starlink wifi service have driven significant interest from investors.

As of 2026, SpaceX remains private, but speculation around a future flotation has grown at the start of the year. Valuation estimates – or maybe PR promoters – suggest the company could be worth over $1 trillion if it lists.  That could make it the largest IPO in history.

But while an IPO appears increasingly likely, there’s no confirmed timeline. Investors hoping to gain exposure today must rely on indirect routes, such as funds with private holdings or companies linked to the broader space ecosystem.

Should you invest in space?

Investing in space offers exposure to a rapidly growing industry with strong long-term potential. But it is not without risk. High capital requirements, technological uncertainty, long development cycles and recent valuation increases mean returns can take time to materialise.

For most investors, space works best as a small, thematic allocation within a core diversified portfolio. You could call it the ultimate satellite investment…