What is NASA’s stock price, and are they publicly traded? Unfortunately, investors cannot purchase shares of NASA because they are a private company. However, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and Boeing (NYSE: BA) are stocks that traders can invest in.
One of the most impressive feats of our lifetime was to leave our planet and discover space. Since the 1960s, there has been a race between Russia and the US to deliver the most impressive missions outside of our orbit. Although the Russians sprinted ahead, the US and its allies won. One of the biggest players in this industry is the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). NASA was founded in 1958 and became an independent agency of the US federal government. Every year, it receives a budget and allocates its spending accordingly.
NASA’s four strategic goals have always been to expand human knowledge, extend human presence beyond Earth, address national challenges, and catalyze economic growth. Although NASA stock isn’t public, the agency has created partnerships with plenty of multinational and local companies. Since it isn’t possible to invest directly in NASA, let’s take a look at which public companies have the opportunity to work closely with the government agency.
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Table of Contents
NASA Introduction (No Stock Symbol)
To begin with, NASA was created due to national defense pressures. The Soviets and the Americans were leading a war, and every little inch counted. Space quickly became an area of interest. Russia became the first nation to send a satellite, and the US followed suit a few months later. The US became an international superpower in space and on Earth thanks to NASA and its partners.
In its first 20 years, NASA conducted many missions in space. Who isn’t aware of Apollo 11 and the legendary moon landing? New technologies were developed in space and on Earth during and after this period to monitor the weather and the world around us.
More recently, the James Webb Space Telescope has been transmitting never-before-seen images of a distant universe. Thanks to its research, we learned much more and discovered places we never knew existed.
However, NASA didn’t accomplish this feat on its own. NASA enriched our lives thanks to numerous partnerships and sponsorships with public and private companies. Let’s find out which companies benefit from this partnership and if they are worthwhile for investors. Can I invest in NASA?
NASA Stock Alternative Companies
When NASA was first created, it was given almost 5% of the federal budget. The US wanted to ensure they were the clear winners worldwide and in space. With time, NASA’s budget decreased.
Today, it represents only 0.48% of the total budget for the US. It may not seem like much, but that percentage translates to $22.6B. To maximize its funds, NASA established partnerships to develop new technologies across many fields. Can I invest in NASA? Let’s take a look.
1. Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT)
Lockheed Martin is a multinational aerospace, arms, defense, and information security technology company. NASA chose this company to build and develop the Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) earlier this year.
It will be used to retrieve samples from Mars. NASA has over $1B in contracts with the company. Lockheed Martin also has contracts with the government and the military.
It is an excellent stock to own thanks to its global recognition, potential growth, and partnerships with other companies that work in outer space.
If you’re asking if you can invest in NASA, investing in $LMT could be one way.
Lockheed Martin ($LMT) TipRanks Stock Forecast Report 3/24
2. Jacobs Engineering (NYSE: J)
Jacobs is a leading American company specializing in construction, engineering, and technical and professional services. The company is also developing cutting-edge space technologies. Jacobs was recently awarded the contract for ATOM-4. I won’t get into the technical details for this one.
They are providing engineering and scientific products for various projects. Jacobs also has over $1B in contracts with NASA. It is also an excellent stock to hold on to. And one way to invest, if you’re asking, can I invest in NASA?
3. Boeing (NYSE: BA)
Boeing was once NASA’s leading contractor. It isn’t anymore, but it remains a top candidate. The company is responsible for developing and implementing the technology to transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station (ISS). That contract alone is worth over $4B.
Boeing has had its share of issues that greatly affected its stock price. Many aircraft incidents have plagued airline companies and hurt the company’s international credibility.
That doesn’t seem to be an issue for NASA. If Boeing can complete its contract with NASA and solve its issues in the air, its stock will rebound. Currently, Boeing seems to be trading at a very attractive price.
4. Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC)
Northrop is another giant in the aerospace and defense industry. The company also specializes in IT products and services. One of its most notable contracts is the James Webb Space Telescope. As mentioned, it is capturing the hearts of many scientists and Earthlings thanks to the world’s largest and most powerful telescope.
Thanks to the technology behind Northrop’s product, we can study celestial bodies that we will never be able to touch from the comfort of our planet.
That contract alone was also worth over $4B. Northrop’s stock is trading near an all-time high and might reach even higher. The company’s international credibility is rising, which might lead to more contracts. If you’re asking if you can invest in NASA, this could be a good option.
5. KBR (NYSE: KBR)
On to lesser-known, but no-less impressive companies. KBR operates in the fields of science, tech, and engineering. Its main markets are aerospace and defense. No wonder NASA chose them for their GSMO-3 contract.
KBR will be in charge of ‘’systems engineering, facility engineering, launch and early orbit support, flight operations, flight dynamics support, and sustaining engineering for NASA.” In other words, KBR is the backbone of this mission.
If NASA is satisfied with KBR, they might receive more contracts in the future and perhaps get more than \$450M in contracts. KBR is also put in the spotlight to increase its sales and international exposure. Can I invest in NASA? No, but KBR is a good alternative.
6. Aerojet Rocketdyne (NYSE: AJRD)
NASA is returning to the Moon with its Artemis mission. It is set to touchdown on the Moon’s south pole by 2025. Aerojet Rocketdyne was contracted to develop one of the spacecraft’s main engines. AJRD is specialized in space propulsion and missile technology. Hence, this technology will most likely be used in other NASA missions. It can eventually propel AJDR on the international scene.
7. Science Application International Corporation (NYSE: SAIC)
Last on the list is SAIC. The company specializes in IT support. SAIC has a lot of contacts with the government, and it is now adding NASA to its list.
They will be in charge of everything relating to the software and hardware of the Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland. Everything related to the air, ground, and space will be in their hands. Not a bad contract for $600M. Their services may be needed elsewhere if this mission is successful.
Final Thoughts: Can I Invest in NASA Stock?
To conclude, it is impossible to directly invest in NASA stock since it’s a US government agency. However, it is possible to invest in the many companies that are working with NASA.
The aerospace and defense industry has endless possibilities. Every year, we discover new applications for the industry, and new companies are rising to the challenge and becoming industry leaders. Most of these stocks are not very volatile. They still have much room to grow and new challenges to face.
Some of the best engineers in the world are working for the companies mentioned in this article. It is no wonder they are among the best in their domains.
