Prediction: 2 Space Stocks That Could Join SpaceX and Rocket Lab in the Nasdaq-100 by 2030

The space economy has arrived in the mainstream with a bang. Space Exploration Technologies (NASDAQ: SPCX) debuted on the public markets with the largest initial public offering (IPO) in history, and is now valued at a market cap of $2 trillion.

The Nasdaq quickly added SpaceX to the Nasdaq-100, which comprises the 100 largest non-financial stocks listed on the Nasdaq. Another space stock -- Rocket Lab -- was also recently added to the list.

Space is going mainstream as an economy, and it could be a fantastic investment theme to get around for the next decade. Here are two stocks that could join SpaceX and Rocket Lab in the Nasdaq-100 by 2030, and whether they are stocks worth buying today.

AST SpaceMobile's big gamble

Satellite internet is the current leading theme in the space economy, driven by the growth of SpaceX's Starlink service. A company trying to wiggle its way into the mix and compete with satellite internet service is AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS).

It has developed large satellite arrays that can directly beam high-speed internet to mobile devices. This is different than the current Starlink service, which requires an antenna to connect to the internet. If it can get widespread coverage for these high-speed internet satellites, there could be a revenue opportunity in the billions. Management has already formed multiple partnerships with telecommunications players worldwide that plan to upsell AST SpaceMobile's service to existing customers.

The big question is whether it works properly, and when it will be fully operational. AST SpaceMobile is currently contracted with launch providers to get its satellites into orbit, but has had to repeatedly push back its timeline for when it will start selling its services. The most recent delay was from late 2026 to early 2027, which is when it now hopes to start selling satellite internet services.

If AST SpaceMobile can be the first company to sell direct-to-device satellite internet, it could be a massive winner and make it into the Nasdaq-100 index. However, it does not come without risks.

Image source: Getty Images.

Intuitive Machines lunar ambitions

A smaller-space player that is taking a more traditional business model route is Intuitive Machines (NASDAQ: LUNR). As the ticker suggests, it aims to become a logistics player on the moon, with spacecraft and logistics infrastructure for the future moon-to-earth supply chain.

It is an early-stage business with a small market cap of $3.34 billion, but it has much higher revenue than other space start-ups, such as AST SpaceMobile. Last quarter, revenue was $206 million, and it expects to exceed $1 billion in sales in 2026.

Long-term, Intuitive Machines wants to be a key contractor to the government and commercial enterprises trying to operate on the moon. Of course, it is highly speculative to bet on the moon as an investment thesis, but there has been a renaissance in U.S. government investment, with the hope that commercial partners will eventually follow.

Like AST SpaceMobile, an investment in Intuitive Machines is very risky today. However, if the moon economy materializes, it may be a candidate to join the Nasdaq-100 by 2030.

One dark horse candidate

Lastly, it is important to mention another space stock that may join the Nasdaq-100 by 2030 that isn't public today: Blue Origin. The space company that Jeff Bezos founded is now valued at $140 billion, which would already qualify it for the Nasdaq-100 Index if public today.

To raise more capital, Blue Origin may go public once its business model reaches maturity. If it does, it is a shoo-in for the Nasdaq-100.

Brett Schafer has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends AST SpaceMobile, Intuitive Machines, and Rocket Lab. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.