Rocket Lab (RKLB) stock rose over 5% in Thursday’s pre-market trading, putting the space company back in focus for investors. The stock jumped after Rocket Lab announced its largest-ever commercial Electron deal, a 20-mission contract with Tokyo-based Earth observation company Synspective. The launches are scheduled from 2028 through 2031, and the deal pushes Rocket Lab’s launch backlog above 100 missions.
Meanwhile, Rocket Lab also has a dedicated launch contract with Kepler Communications for its upcoming Neutron rocket. The mission is expected to launch no earlier than 2028.
Analysts see 58% upside for the stock over the next 12 months, with a $110.07 average price target. For investors who want exposure to Rocket Lab without buying the stock directly, two space-focused ETFs offer exposure to the company: Tema Space Innovators ETF (NASA) and VanEck Space ETF (WARP).
1. Tema Space Innovators ETF (NASA)
The Tema Space Innovators ETF invests in companies building launch systems, satellite networks, in‑orbit services, and next‑gen space infrastructure. NASA also includes satellite-communications firms and Earth‑observation players, giving investors a broader view of the space supply chain. RKLB stock constitutes 10.63% of the ETF’s holdings.
Apart from Rocket Lab USA, some of the top stocks in the NASA ETF include SpaceX (SPCX), AST SpaceMobile (ASTS), and ViaSat (VSAT). Overall, the ETF has $1.13 billion in assets under management (AUM). Also, it has an expense ratio of 0.75%.
Turning to Wall Street, the ETF has a Moderate Buy consensus rating. Of the 32 stocks held, 25 have Buy ratings and seven have Hold ratings. At $33.99, the average NASA ETF price target implies a 41.86% upside potential.
2. VanEck Space ETF (WARP)
The VanEck Space ETF tracks the MarketVector Space Index and focuses on pure-play space companies involved in launch systems, satellite infrastructure, and Earth observation. Importantly, RKLB accounts for 14.82% of WARP’s total holdings.
Some of the top holdings in the WARP ETF also include SpaceX, AST SpaceMobile, and ViaSat. Overall, the ETF has $42.92 million in AUM and an expense ratio of 0.5%.
On TipRanks, WARP has a Moderate Buy consensus rating based on 15 Buys and five Holds assigned in the last three months. At $31.55, the average WARP ETF price target implies 55.83% upside potential.
Is RKLB a Good Stock to Buy?
According to TipRanks, RKLB stock has received a Strong Buy consensus rating, with 14 Buys and two Holds assigned in the last three months. The average price target for Rocket Lab is $110.07, suggesting a potential upside of 58% from the current level.
