To The Moon

The space sector saw wild swings on Tuesday. $Intuitive Machines(LUNR)$ soared 35.6%, while $Rocket Lab USA, Inc.(RKLB)$ and $AST SpaceMobile, Inc.(ASTS)$ dipped 6.2% and 12.3% respectively. So, which meme stock should you pick?

1. Intuitive Machines 🌕: Lunar mission and potential big NASA contract

Intuitive Machines stands out as the big winner of the day. Its spike is tied to the company’s upcoming lunar mission, which is poised to send its IM-2 mission to the moon by late 2024 or early 2025.

Additionally, there’s speculation that Intuitive Machines might bid on a NASA contract which could bring a significant revenue boost, given that $84 million remains under VIPER's $433.5 million budget—almost double what Intuitive Machines booked in Q2.

This lunar explorer surged on news of an upcoming moon mission and potential NASA contract. It’s a high-risk, high-reward play, with profitability still years away (2026).

2. Rocket Lab 🚀: Steady growth with proven success

Rocket Lab, a favorite among space enthusiasts, has seen a 40% increase in its stock since August 1, largely driven by anticipation for its upcoming missions.

Despite Tuesday's dip, Rocket Lab’s long-term prospects remain strong. The company has a proven track record of successful launches and a growing list of contracts.

3. AST SpaceMobile 📡: Pioneering tech with rising competition from $Globalstar(GSAT)$

AST SpaceMobile has also been on a tear, with its stock up nearly 30% since the start of August.

The company is on the verge of launching five satellites that could revolutionize cellphone-to-cellphone communications via satellite, potentially offering global coverage. This technology could be a game-changer, especially in remote or underserved areas.

However, AST faces significant challenges. The recent approval of $Globalstar(GSAT)$ new satellites by the FCC presents direct competition, potentially limiting AST's market share and growth.