Blast Off Your Portfolio: The Rise of Space Industry ETFs🌌

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The Quicklist series of ETF UNO returns this weekend. For centuries, humans have gazed at the stars, dreaming of space travel. Today, that dream has evolved from science fiction into a business reality. With rockets launching more frequently and satellites transforming our connections, the space industry is no longer just for astronauts or government agencies; it’s a booming commercial sector.

Investors now have the opportunity to get involved, and one of the easiest ways is through space industry ETFs.

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Why Space Industry ETFs?

The 2020s mark a turning point for space. Several big shifts are driving the excitement:

1. 💰Cheaper Rockets – Thanks to companies like SpaceX, the cost of launching satellites has fallen dramatically. Reusable rockets are making space more accessible, opening doors for new businesses.

2. 🛰️Satellite Demand – Think of satellites as the invisible backbone of our daily lives. From GPS navigation to global internet coverage, satellites are critical. With more than 10,000 satellites expected in orbit by 2030, the demand is sky-high.

3. 👨‍🚀Space Tourism – Companies like Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic have already sent paying customers on short trips. It may sound like a luxury hobby today, but remember: air travel was once the same.

4. 🏁Global Competition – It’s not just the U.S. and Russia anymore. China, India, Europe, and private firms are racing to develop their own space programs. Competition usually means innovation and growth.

5. 🏛️Government Backing – Agencies like NASA and the European Space Agency are still spending billions, often in partnerships with private companies.

Analysts project that the global space economy could reach $1 trillion by 2030, up from roughly $500 billion today. That’s nearly doubling in less than a decade. Most of this growth will come from satellite technology, communications, space infrastructure, and — eventually — space tourism.

For investors, this is the moment to get ahead of the curve. And ETFs are one of the best tools to gain exposure without betting on a single company.

📃Top Space Industry ETFs

Let’s look at some of the leading ETFs that give investors access to the space revolution. Each has its own style and focus, so you can pick the one that best matches your investing personality.

1. ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX)

Inception: 2021-03-30

Expense Ratio: 0.75%

Provider: ARK Invest

Past 3 Years Annualised Performance: 21.62%

Covered in our ETF UNO edition, ARKX may already be familiar to our readers. Launched in 2021, this actively managed ETF invests not only in traditional aerospace companies but also in those that benefit indirectly from space innovation. For example, it includes satellite companies, defence firms, and even businesses that produce 3D printing technology used in rockets.

For investors who prefer a hands-on, future-focused approach, ARKX offers an exciting and diverse investment opportunity.

2. Procure Space ETF (UFO)

Inception: 2019-04-11

Expense Ratio: 0.75%

Provider: ProcureAM

Past 3 Years Annualised Performance: 21.94%

The ETF ticker is $UFO ( ▲ 1.36% ) , appealing to space enthusiasts. It focuses on companies that generate substantial revenue from space-related operations and tracks the S-Network Space Index. This index highlights firms involved in satellite communications and space technology, offering global diversification beyond just the U.S. If you want to invest in companies prioritising space, UFO is a strong option.

3. SPDR S&P Kensho Final Frontiers ETF (ROKT)

Inception: 2018-10-22

Expense Ratio: 0.45%

Provider: SPDR

Past 3 Years Annualised Performance: 25.10%

$ROKT ( ▼ 0.25% )  combines exposure to both aerospace exploration and deep-sea exploration (yes, the final frontiers include both space and oceans). It uses artificial intelligence to select companies pushing boundaries in prospecting. The dual exposure to oceans and space makes it stand out from other funds.

4. VanEck Space Innovators UCITS ETF (JEDI)

Inception: 2022-06-24

Expense Ratio: 0.55%

Provider: VanEck

Past 3 Years Annualised Performance: 32.97%

JEDI appeals to international investors as it is listed in Ireland and trades in U.S. dollars, making it accessible for those interested in the space theme.

This ETF targets space innovation companies, from satellite makers to rocket builders. It passively tracks the MVIS Global Space Innovators Index, allowing non-U.S. investors to access space stocks without dealing with currency or regulatory challenges.

5. iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defence ETF (ITA)

Inception: 2006-05-01

Expense Ratio: 0.38%

Provider: iShares

Past 3 Years Annualised Performance: 25.04%

$ITA ( ▲ 0.21% ) isn’t strictly a “space ETF,” but it plays a crucial role in the industry. Why? Aerospace and defence companies are among the biggest drivers of space technology. For investors who want exposure to space but prefer to stick with reliable, blue-chip names, ITA offers a safer gateway.

Bonus: Indirect Access to SpaceX with ERShares Private-Public Crossover ETF (XOVR)

Let’s be honest — when people talk about space today, one name comes up first: SpaceX. Elon Musk’s rocket company has revolutionised space travel. But there’s a catch: SpaceX is private. You can’t buy its stock on the market.

Enter $XOVR ( ▲ 0.75% ):

• This ETF invests in late-stage private companies through special purpose vehicles (SPVs).

• About 10–11% of the fund is allocated to SpaceX, making it the largest private equity holding in the portfolio.

• By owning XOVR, retail investors get rare indirect exposure to SpaceX.

It’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity to participate in Musk’s rocket empire without waiting for an IPO.

💡The Future Is Above Us

We are closer than ever to making the space economy a central part of daily life. From cheaper rockets to satellite-powered internet and even space tourism, the industry is expanding at warp speed.

Here are the key takeaways:

• The space economy could double to $1 trillion by 2030.

• ETFs offer an easy way to invest without picking individual winners and losers.

• Different ETFs offer various flavours — from innovation-focused ARKX to pure-play UFO, to the diversified ITA.

• For those dreaming of SpaceX, XOVR provides an indirect route.

If you’re a sci-fi fan, tech enthusiast, or curious investor, space ETFs provide a unique opportunity to engage with an exciting growth story.

At ETF UNO, we bring investing topics down to Earth — making them simple, engaging, and fun. If you enjoyed this guide to Space ETFs, consider joining our community for more insights, updates, and smart investing ideas.

The final frontier is closer than you think. Why not make it part of your portfolio?

DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always conduct your own research and consider consulting with a financial advisor before making investment decisions.