3 Space Stocks To Watch In October 2026

Hotter US inflation has hit rate expectations and punished high-growth tech, yet the race to build AI infrastructure still needs satellites, launch capacity and secure communications in orbit. That disconnect can create openings for patient investors. This article looks at how the expanding space economy fits into that backdrop and highlights 3 stocks from the Global Space Race screener that could help you build exposure intelligently.

The three stocks below are a useful starting sample, but the full Global Space Race screen surfaced another 20 companies with equally compelling stories that are not covered in this article.

If you want to quickly identify which orbital infrastructure builders best fit your risk profile and thesis, head straight to the Global Space Race Stocks screener.

Applied Aerospace & Defense (AADX)

Applied Aerospace & Defense is one of the more direct orbital infrastructure plays in this screen. It supplies the hardware that keeps satellites, launch vehicles and deorbit systems flying, while still drawing most of its business from a broader US-focused aerospace and defense portfolio.

Applied Aerospace & Defense generated about US$576 million in Aerospace & Defense revenue in the United States, and the stock is valued at roughly US$1.8b, which puts it in the mid cap bracket for investors thinking about space exposure through established defense supply chains.

"Although Applied Aerospace & Defense points to record revenue and adjusted EBITDA as evidence of scale, the Q2 2026 net loss of US$154 million that is attributed to IPO and related costs could signal that future equity-based compensation, higher public-company overhead and intangible amortization remain structurally higher than many models assume."

What really matters from here is how one quiet pressure on future margins and cash generation ultimately lands on the story investors are paying for.

Where that pressure lands is exactly what the full narrative for Applied Aerospace & Defense unpacks, separating one-off IPO noise from any deeper shift in the Applied Aerospace & Defense equity story.

Redwire (RDW)

Redwire leans directly into the Global Space Race theme through its space infrastructure and in‑space manufacturing work, supplying the sensors, platforms and on‑orbit facilities that keep satellite constellations running while still holding a sizeable defense technology arm beside that space focused activity.

Redwire generates roughly US$209 million from Space and US$217 million from Defense Tech, blending orbital infrastructure with defense programs, and has a market value of about US$2.3b.

What makes Redwire interesting for this screen is how its flight‑proven hardware and digital tools plug into real satellite programs today, rather than just pitching future concepts, which gives investors a clearer line of sight on how the space economy theme shows up in actual contracts and backlog.

"The combination with Edge Autonomy and the shift to a scalable space and defense platform is already reflected in year‑over‑year revenue of US$103.4 million in Q3 2025 and adjusted gross margin of 27.1%."

What happens if one unresolved pressure around funding and dilution shifts the balance between that expanding opportunity set and eventual profitability?

That trade off is exactly what the full narrative for Redwire unpacks, separating funding risk from how Redwire’s platform could accelerate if contract momentum and capital stay aligned.

Lockheed Martin (LMT)

Lockheed Martin is the veteran contractor in this Global Space Race screen, pairing a deep missile and aircraft business with a dedicated Space segment that builds and sustains satellites and space transportation systems for governments that want reliable orbital infrastructure.

Lockheed Martin generates about US$31.2b from Aeronautics, US$19.8b from Rotary and Mission Systems, US$16.4b from Missiles and Fire Control, and US$13.8b from Space, and the group carries a market value of roughly US$116.3b.

For investors who want exposure to the build out of space infrastructure without walking away from the cash flow profile of a large defense contractor, Lockheed Martin offers a blend of orbital systems, missile programs and long term contracts that is hard to replicate.

"Lockheed Martin is moving munitions like PAC-3, THAAD, PrSM and JATM onto seven year framework agreements. These aim to triple or quadruple production and allow the company to retain a larger share of cost savings from capacity investments such as robotics in Camden, which can support higher future revenue and structurally stronger net margins."

What really moves the needle from here is how one quiet shift in contract economics filters through to the durability of those margins and cash returns.

That contract shift is only the start, and the full narrative for Lockheed Martin shows how Lockheed Martin’s space and defense flywheels could accelerate while key risks stay in check.

Seeking Alternatives Beyond Space Stocks?

Fresh opportunities often move from quiet to crowded faster than most investors expect, and the best entry points can vanish while you hesitate. Scan new ideas now and get in early.

• Chase consistent income streams by zeroing in on companies in the 7 dividend fortresses before yield hunters crowd into the same reliable payers.
• Spot early-stage momentum by tracking the 38 AI small caps while they are still under the radar for now and before sentiment starts flying.
• Focus on resilience first by filtering for a list of solid balance sheet and fundamentals (25 results) so you are not caught holding weak balance sheets if momentum suddenly drops.

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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