Better ETF: Tema's NASA Targeting Space Innovation vs. U.S. Global's Aviation-Focused JETS

The Tema Space Innovators ETF (NYSEMKT:NASA) targets the growth potential of the commercial space industry, whereas the U.S. Global Jets ETF (NYSEMKT:JETS) focuses on established airline operators with a lower expense ratio.

Investors choosing between these two funds are essentially deciding between the established, commercial aviation industry and the speculative frontier of the space economy. While both portfolios focus on advanced transportation and logistics, the underlying business models differ significantly.

This comparison could appeal to those contrasting a mature, index-tracking aviation sector with a newer, dynamically managed fund that looks to capture the rapid commercialization of orbit.

Snapshot (cost & size)

Metric	JETS	NASA
Issuer	U.S. Global	Tema
Share price	$27.89 (as of 2026-10-05)	$25.33 (as of 2026-10-05)
Expense ratio	0.6%	0.75%
Dividend yield	0.8%	None
AUM	$0.9 billion	$1.2 billion

The 1-year return represents total return over the trailing 12 months. Dividend yield is the trailing-12-month distribution yield.

The Tema Space Innovators ETF is more expensive, charging an annual expense ratio of 0.75%. This is higher than the 0.6% charged by the U.S. Global Jets ETF. Despite being much newer, the Tema fund has already accumulated a significant assets under management (AUM) total of $1.2 billion, which is higher than the $0.9 billion managed by the airline fund.

Performance & risk comparison

Metric	JETS	NASA
Max drawdown (5 yr)	(55.6%)	(51.0%)

The Tema Space Innovators ETF is a dynamically managed fund that uses fundamental research to select companies in the space value chain. Its portfolio includes 36 holdings spanning satellite manufacturing, launch services, and defense. Its largest positions include Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, better known as SpaceX, at 25.54%, Rocket Lab at 10.17%, and AST SpaceMobile at 6.65%. The fund was launched in 2026.

The U.S. Global Jets ETF provides access to the global airline industry, focusing on 55 holdings that include both airline operators and aircraft manufacturers. Its largest positions include Southwest Airlines Co (NYSE:LUV) at 11.64%, Delta Air Lines Inc (NYSE:DAL) at 11.22%, and United Airlines Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:UAL) at 11.03%. The fund was launched in 2015. It offers a concentrated bet on the international aviation ecosystem.

For more guidance on ETF investing, check out the full guide at this link.

Which looks like the better buy

The Tema Space Innovators ETF (NASA) and U.S. Global Jets ETF (JETS) may share a flight-based theme, but they are very different funds. Consequently, which is the better ETF depends on your risk tolerance, and your investment goals.

If you have a high tolerance for risk and want to capture the potential upside of the emerging space-based economy, NASA is the more appealing fund. It offers diversified exposure to some of the biggest names in the space sector, including SpaceX.

NASA skyrocketed to a 52-week high of $42.68 in May ahead of SpaceX's highly anticipated IPO, but has since fallen substantially. This is an example of the volatility you will experience with the fund. Since the ETF was launched in 2026, its brief history does not give investors insight into its performance across various macroeconomic cycles, adding to its risk profile.

For conservative investors, JETS is the better ETF choice. It gives you exposure to mature aviation businesses, and provides a modest dividend, yielding 0.83% as of the week ending Oct. 9. The travel industry faces headwinds as a result of rising fuel costs, but consumer travel has rebounded after languishing for years in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Robert Izquierdo has positions in Southwest Airlines and Space Exploration Technologies. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends AST SpaceMobile and Rocket Lab. The Motley Fool recommends Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.