Not SpaceX: The Forgotten Satellite Stocks Quietly Plugging Into the Future of Space That Are Investible Today

While Starlink soaks up every space headline, two publicly traded satellite operators have quietly turned niche networks into real businesses.

24/7 Wall Street • Jun 6, 2026

Space stocks go into orbit as Musk mega IPO nears lift-off

European space stocks surged on Thursday, ​buoyed by investor ‌excitement after Elon Musk's SpaceX filed for ​a stock market ​listing, lifting sentiment across ⁠the sector.

Reuters • May 21, 2026

Iridium Bets on Air Safety in Aireon Takeover

Satellite operator Iridium Communications agreed to take full control of a company that tracks airplane movements, betting it can grow the air data provider into a bigger business.

WSJ • May 14, 2026

Iridium to Acquire Aireon, Advancing its Strategy to Lead the Future of Aviation Safety

The transaction unifies the world's only space-based air traffic surveillance system with the satellite network it was built on and extends commercial partnerships with NAV CANADA and NATS through 2035 and beyond. MCLEAN, Va.

PRNewsWire • May 14, 2026

The Iridium Celebrates Les Paul's Birthday with a Weeklong Tribute, June 9–15, 2026

NYC's Iridium hosts Les Paul Birthday Week June 9 to 15, 2026. A seven-night tribute featuring Andy Timmons, Dan Wilson, Raúl Midón, and Robben Ford.

GlobeNewsWire • May 12, 2026

UFO ETF Faces a Critical Test: Can Pre-Profit Space Stocks Deliver on $1.85B Backlog

The Procure Space ETF (NYSEARCA:UFO) was built to give investors a single ticket to a fragmented industry: rocket builders, satellite operators, ground-segment vendors, and direct-to-device communications upstarts that rarely fit cleanly into a sector ETF.

24/7 Wall Street • May 2, 2026

Iridium Communications: Upgrading To Hold, But Cautious On Execution

Iridium Communications is upgraded to Hold as catalysts emerge, despite a 135% stock rally since the prior Sell rating. Q1 2026 results were weak: revenue up 2%, OEBITDA down 4.8%, and EPS down 26%, with commercial IoT as the primary growth driver. IRDM stock surge was driven by insider buying, institutional accumulation, and the SITH contract extension, not fundamental outperformance.

Seeking Alpha • Apr 27, 2026

Iridium's Q1 Earnings Miss Estimates, Revenues Increase Y/Y

IRDM misses Q1 2026 EPS estimates despite steady service revenue growth, as IoT demand and strategic investments shape its 2026 outlook.

Zacks Investment Research • Apr 24, 2026

Iridium Stock Falls On Earnings Miss Amid Big 2026 Rally

Iridium Communications reported Q1 earnings that missed consensus estimates while revenue edged by views. Iridium stock fell on the news.

Investors Business Daily • Apr 23, 2026

Iridium Communications Inc. (IRDM) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

Iridium Communications Inc. (IRDM) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

Seeking Alpha • Apr 23, 2026