NASA awards, ‘unicorns’ and the biggest IPO ever: A new commercial space boom is underway

12, Jul 2026

Following an initial frenzy a decade ago, the commercial space sector is getting a new wave of investment. This time, things are markedly different, experts say.

Artist’s rendering depicting astronauts, habitats, rovers, power systems, and cargo operations supporting sustained human activities at the Moon Base near the lunar South Pole.

A rendering of astronauts, habitats, rovers, power systems and cargo operations at NASA's planned moon base near the lunar south pole.NASA

June 28, 2026, 7:00 AM EDT

It’s boom time in the commercial space industry. NASA’s push to return to the moon and historic levels of investment in the private space sector have fueled a gold rush to the stars. It’s a space race distinct from any seen in the past, analysts say.

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