AST SpaceMobile Jumps 7%, Rocket Lab Climbs 6%, Planet Labs Rises 4%: Space Stocks Resume Their Climb

AST SpaceMobile, Rocket Lab, and Planet Labs move higher together midday Friday, with ASTS up 7%, RKLB up 6%, and PL up 4%. The coordinated buying follows a mid-week pullback in commercial space stocks and appears driven by sector sentiment rather than a single shared catalyst. AST SpaceMobile’s direct-to-smartphone connectivity business is supported by nearly 60 mobile network operator partners covering more than 3 billion subscribers, alongside reaffirmed FY2026 revenue guidance of $150 million to $200 million. Rocket Lab benefits from launch and space systems momentum, including Q1 2026 revenue of $200.35 million, a record $2.2 billion backlog, and the upcoming Neutron catalyst. Planet Labs gains from AI-driven Earth observation strength, with remaining performance obligations rising 361% to $672.47 million and defense and intelligence wins.

"Space stocks are back in rally mode at midday Friday, with the sector's three highest-profile pure plays moving sharply higher in unison. AST SpaceMobile ( NASDAQ:ASTS) stock is up 7%, Rocket Lab ( NASDAQ:RKLB | RKLB Price Prediction) shares are climbing 6%, and Planet Labs ( NYSE:PL) stock has added 4%."

"The coordinated bid follows a mid-week wobble in commercial space names. With no single catalyst tying the three companies together today, the move looks like sentiment-driven sector positioning after a brief pause. The space trade has been one of the most explosive themes in public markets over the past year."

"AST SpaceMobile has built a network of nearly 60 global mobile network operator partners covering more than 3 billion subscribers, and the company reaffirmed FY2026 revenue guidance of $150 million to $200 million. AST SpaceMobile stock has gained 324% over the past year as investors bet on a new connectivity category."

"Planet Labs is the AI-driven Earth observation angle. The company's remaining performance obligations surged 361% year over year to $672.47 million, with defense and intelligence wins from the NGA, NRO, NASA, the U.S. Navy, and NATO. Planet Labs stock has rallied 1,103% over the past year, easily the most eye-catching figure in the group."

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