RKLB vs. LUNR: Which Space Stock Has More Upside as the Space Race Heats Up?

Rocket Lab (RKLB) and Intuitive Machines (LUNR) have emerged as two of the biggest names in the fast-growing space sector. Both companies are tied to growing government and commercial spending, and both stocks have delivered strong returns this year.

However, Wall Street sees very different paths ahead. Using TipRanks’ Stock Comparison tool, Intuitive Machines carries a Strong Buy rating and offers more than 55% upside based on analysts’ average price target. Meanwhile, Rocket Lab has a Moderate Buy rating, while its average price target points to modest downside from current levels.

Rocket Lab Is Building a Broad Space Business

Rocket Lab has grown far beyond its launch roots. Along with its Electron rocket business, the company now earns revenue from satellites, spacecraft parts, and other space systems. Investors are also watching the development of Neutron, Rocket Lab’s larger rocket aimed at higher-value missions. If successful, Neutron could unlock a much larger growth market for the company.

The stock has gained nearly 63% this year as investors bet on growth across its launch and space systems units.

Is RKLB Stock a Buy?

Wall Street remains positive on Rocket Lab’s outlook. Analysts like the company’s strong launch record, growing space systems business, and exposure to rising space spending.

Clear Street analyst Greg Pendy is among the stock’s biggest supporters. He recently raised his price target to a Street-high $129 from $98. Pendy believes Rocket Lab’s move beyond launches helps strengthen its growth story. He also views Neutron as a key catalyst that could help the company capture a larger share of the launch market. In addition, he expects strong satellite demand and tight launch capacity to support growth in the years ahead.

However, expectations have also climbed sharply. Investors remain focused on Neutron’s launch timeline and the company’s ability to meet its goals. As a result, the average analyst price target of $103.70 implies about 4% downside from current levels.

Intuitive Machines Is Focused on the Lunar Economy

Unlike Rocket Lab’s broader business, Intuitive Machines is focused on Moon missions and related services. The company has become a key partner in NASA’s efforts to return humans to the Moon. Its business includes payload delivery, lunar communications, and other tools that support future Moon missions. Supporters believe demand could rise as governments and private firms increase spending on lunar projects.

Shares have gained more than 83% this year, making LUNR one of the top performers in the space sector.

Is LUNR Stock a Buy?

Wall Street remains highly bullish on Intuitive Machines. Analysts point to its NASA ties, growing contract base, and role in the emerging lunar market.

Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Andres Sheppard is among the stock’s supporters. He recently reiterated his Overweight rating and $43 price target. Sheppard highlighted the company’s strong sales outlook, with management forecasting up to $1 billion in revenue next year. He also expects several upcoming events to support the stock, including the IM-3 Moon mission, new NASA awards, and potential defense deals. In addition, the analyst sees upside from Intuitive Machines’ recent Space Force contract and its Lanteris acquisition.

The stock currently carries a Strong Buy consensus rating. More importantly, the average analyst price target of $42.63 implies roughly 55% upside from current levels. That makes LUNR one of Wall Street’s favorite space stocks today.

Bottom Line

Both companies are helping shape the future of space exploration, but analysts currently favor Intuitive Machines. LUNR combines strong analyst support with several potential catalysts over the next few years. Rocket Lab remains a respected name in the sector, but Wall Street believes Intuitive Machines offers the better upside opportunity today.