Redwire (RDW) stock jumped more than 22% on Tuesday, capping a furious rally that has seen the space infrastructure company gain over 90% in May alone. The move was fueled by a wave of defense and space contracts, along with sector-wide enthusiasm ahead of a highly anticipated SpaceX IPO. AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) and Rocket Lab (RKLB) also posted double‑digit gains, underscoring how space stocks are capturing investor attention after years on the sidelines.
Redwire landed a $15 million follow‑on order from the U.S. Army’s 1st Aviation Brigade for its Stalker drone systems — the third order from the same unit in eight months, bringing the total to roughly $24.8 million. The Stalker will support training at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, and features a Modular Open Systems Approach that allows fast payload swaps. The company also secured a separate multi‑year contract in the “high eight figures” for its Penguin Mk3 drone platform from an unnamed NATO ally.
On the space side, Redwire completed testing and delivered the MANUS robotic lunar arm prototype to the European Space Agency. Developed with Added Value Solutions, the arm is designed for ESA’s Argonaut lunar lander program, helping cargo operations on the Moon. Redwire’s Roll‑Out Solar Arrays (ROSA) are already deployed on NASA missions and the International Space Station, positioning it as a key supplier for future in‑orbit power needs.
AST SpaceMobile surged around 17% as the satellite‑to‑phone company rode the dual catalysts of the SpaceX IPO speculation and a joint venture announcement by AT&T, Verizon, and T‑Mobile to close U.S. coverage gaps via satellites. AST, which partners with carriers to extend connectivity without special handsets, is seen as a frontrunner in the direct‑to‑device race. Rocket Lab hit an all‑time high after reporting Q1 2026 earnings, gaining over 400% in the past 12 months. Its growing backlog of launch and spacecraft systems contracts makes it a benchmark for publicly traded space companies, and a successful SpaceX debut could further lift its valuation.
The broader space sector rally was ignited by SpaceX’s release of IPO details and the completion of another Starship test flight. Though the test had mixed results, investors focused on continued progress in launch technology. The rally highlights renewed appetite for space‑themed investments, with smaller names like Redwire benefiting from sector momentum even without fresh company‑specific news.
