How to find the best space industry ETF for Australians in 2026: 6 options compared

Satellites now support communications, navigation, weather monitoring, agriculture and financial services. At the same time, commercial launch providers and spacecraft manufacturers are expanding the range of companies involved in the global space economy.

Australian investors can access parts of this industry through space-focused ETFs. Space ETFs can provide exposure to multiple companies through one trade, but they are not necessarily broadly diversified. Many hold a relatively small number of companies and have substantial exposure to their largest positions. Their performance may also depend on government contracts, technological development, regulation and access to capital.

This article compares six space industry ETFs using objective factors including market coverage, investment strategy, management costs, fund size, holdings and operating history. where a fund's benchmark or stated investment mandate explicitly includes the space economy.

What is a space industry ETF?

A space industry ETF holds companies involved in one or more parts of the space economy. These may include:

• Rocket and satellite launches

• Satellite manufacturing and operation

• Navigation and communications services

• Earth observation and geospatial data

• Spacecraft components and infrastructure

• Defence and aerospace technology

• Drones, robotics and other enabling technologies

Each ETF defines the theme differently. Some focus on companies earning a substantial share of revenue from space-related activities. Others include defence contractors, technology companies or businesses that use satellite services.

As a result, two funds described as space ETFs may have significantly different holdings and risks.

How we selected these space ETFs

We screened actively traded ASX- and US-listed ETFs whose fund name, benchmark or stated mandate provides direct or adjacent exposure to the space economy. Broad defence, aerospace and technology ETFs with only incidental space exposure, as well as leveraged, inverse and closed funds, were excluded.

The remaining ETFs were assessed using objective factors including:

• Space-industry coverage and thematic relevance

• Index-based or active management

• Management fees and costs

• Assets under management and liquidity

• Number and concentration of holdings

• Exchange, currency and operating history

• Availability of current public fund information

Six representative ETFs were selected to reflect different approaches within this defined market. The list is not exhaustive or ranked by expected performance.

Six space industry ETFs compared

Data is based on the latest available issuer information as at 27 August to 1 September 2026. AUM, holdings and fees may change. Australian and US dollar amounts are not directly comparable.

Betashares Space Industry ETF (ASX: RCKT)

RCKT was the first dedicated space industry ETF to trade on the ASX, commencing in May 2026. It tracks the Solactive Space Industry Index and provides exposure to companies involved in launches, satellite communications, space infrastructure, manufacturing and data services.

The fund charges management fees and costs of 0.57% a year. As at 27 August 2026, it held approximately A$41.1 million in net assets.

Its largest positions included Space Exploration Technologies, EchoStar, AST SpaceMobile, Rocket Lab and Viasat. These five holdings accounted for a substantial part of the portfolio, so RCKT’s performance can be strongly affected by a relatively small group of companies.

The index also includes a fast-entry mechanism through which certain newly listed space companies can be added shortly after listing, subject to its eligibility rules.

Key consideration: RCKT provides targeted space-industry exposure but has a short operating history and substantial concentration in its largest holdings.

Global X Space Tech ETF (ASX: MOON)

MOON began trading on the ASX in June 2026. It tracks the Mirae Asset Space Tech Index, covering businesses involved in space technology, reusable launch vehicles, orbital transport, satellite-enabled communications, data services and space exploration.

Its management fees and costs are 0.50% a year. The fund had approximately A$5.5 million in assets under management as at 27 August 2026.

MOON’s largest holdings included Space Exploration Technologies, Viasat, AST SpaceMobile, Rocket Lab and Planet Labs. This creates considerable overlap with RCKT, although the two funds follow different indices and apply different selection and weighting rules.

The relatively small fund size may also contribute to wider bid–ask spreads or lower on-market liquidity. Investors should check the market price against the fund’s indicative net asset value where available.

Key consideration: MOON covers the broader space-technology value chain but remains a new and relatively small ETF with concentrated holdings.

Procure Space ETF (Nasdaq: UFO)

UFO is a US-listed index ETF launched in April 2019. It tracks a space-focused index designed to include companies receiving a meaningful share of their revenue or profits from space-related activities.

The fund held 67 securities and charged an expense ratio of 0.75% as at the latest issuer update. Net assets were approximately US$557.2 million.

Its holdings included Garmin, Trimble, Sirius XM, Viasat, Space Exploration Technologies, EchoStar, AST SpaceMobile and Rocket Lab. Compared with RCKT and MOON, its largest position represented a smaller percentage of the fund at the reporting date.

UFO’s broader holdings do not remove thematic risk. Satellite communications, launch providers and space-data companies can still respond to many of the same industry developments.

Australian investors should also account for USD currency exposure, foreign exchange costs, US trading fees and the tax treatment of overseas-listed ETFs.

Key consideration: UFO has a longer operating history and a wider portfolio than the ASX-listed space ETFs, but it carries overseas trading, currency and tax considerations.

ARK Space & Defense Innovation ETF (Cboe: ARKX)

ARKX is an actively managed US ETF launched in March 2021. In November 2025, its name changed from the ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF to the ARK Space & Defense Innovation ETF, reflecting an expanded space and defence mandate.

Rather than tracking an index, ARK Investment Management selects companies connected with orbital and suborbital aerospace, defence innovation and enabling technologies.

Its holdings may include established aerospace contractors alongside businesses involved in drones, artificial intelligence, robotics, autonomous systems and advanced manufacturing. This makes ARKX broader than a pure space-industry portfolio.

ARKX charged a net expense ratio of 0.75% and held approximately US$759.5 million in net assets as at 31 August 2026. Because it is actively managed, its holdings and allocations can change more frequently than those of an index ETF.

Key consideration: ARKX combines space, defence and related technologies, so its performance may differ considerably from a dedicated commercial-space index.

SPDR S&P Kensho Final Frontiers ETF (NYSE Arca: ROKT)

ROKT tracks the S&P Kensho Final Frontiers Index. Its scope extends beyond space to companies involved in deep-sea exploration and related technologies.

The fund’s holdings included aerospace and defence companies, satellite operators and industrial businesses. Among its largest positions as at 31 August 2026 were Oceaneering International, Forum Energy Technologies, RTX, Ducommun, Lockheed Martin, HEICO and Iridium Communications.

ROKT had an expense ratio of 0.45%—the lowest of the six funds in this comparison—and approximately US$193.7 million in assets under management as at 1 September 2026.

Its broader “final frontiers” approach means it should not be treated as a pure space ETF. The presence of established defence and industrial companies may produce a different return and risk profile from portfolios focused on newer commercial-space businesses.

Key consideration: ROKT provides lower-cost exposure to space and other frontier industries rather than concentrating exclusively on the space economy.

Tema Space Innovators ETF (NYSE Arca: NASA)

NASA is an actively managed US ETF launched in March 2026. It invests across the space economy, including launch systems, propulsion, satellite technology and related infrastructure.

Unlike the other funds in this comparison, NASA may allocate a limited part of its portfolio to selected private companies through special-purpose vehicles. These structures can provide access to non-listed businesses but also introduce additional valuation, liquidity and structural risks.

NASA charged a total expense ratio of 0.75% and reported net assets of approximately US$1.07 billion as at 31 August 2026.

The ticker is not affiliated with or endorsed by the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Key consideration: NASA combines public and limited private-company exposure, adding valuation and liquidity considerations that may not apply in the same way to conventional listed-equity ETFs.

ASX-listed versus US-listed space ETFs

The first distinction is where the fund trades.

RCKT and MOON trade on the ASX in Australian dollars. They are Australian domiciled, and investors can review their Australian PDS and Target Market Determination (TMD).

However, trading in Australian dollars does not remove foreign-currency risk. Most of their underlying holdings generate revenue or trade in overseas currencies.

UFO, ARKX, ROKT and NASA are US-listed and trade in US dollars. Australian investors should consider:

• Foreign exchange conversion costs

• US brokerage and pass-through fees

• Currency movements

• US tax documentation and withholding

• Different trading hours

• The relevant US prospectus and fund disclosures

Product availability through Australian brokers may change and should be checked before placing an order.

With moomoo, Australian investors can deposit Australian dollars instantly using PayID or bank transfer. At the same time, moomoo offers a transparent AUD→USD conversion with just a 50‑pip spread. This ensures your funds are ready in US dollars when you're ready to trade.

How to invest in space ETFs with moomoo

Step 1: Open and verify an account

Sign up via the moomoo app or visit the moomoo Australia website and complete your identity verification.

Step 2: Fund the account

Deposit funds using an available funding method. With moomoo, Australian investors can deposit Australian dollars instantly using PayID or bank transfer. At the same time, moomoo offers a transparent AUD→USD conversion with just a 50‑pip spread, far lower than typical bank fees of 1% to 2%.

Step 3: Research and compare the ETFs

After identifying an ETF, use moomoo’s Fund page to review free fundamental information, including Morningstar ratings, annualised returns, top holdings, portfolio concentration and indicators analysis etc.

*These ratings and historical measures do not predict or guarantee future performance, so verify material information against the latest PDS and TMD for Australian ETFs or the relevant prospectus for overseas-listed funds. App images provided are not current and any securities shown are for illustrative purposes only and are not recommendations.

Step 4: Place an order

Choose an available order type and check the ticker, market, quantity, price and estimated costs before confirming your order.

Use the platform to buy your selected ETF. Depending on your trading strategy, you can choose from market, limit, and stop orders, as well as 12 other advanced order types.

ASX share and ETF trades through moomoo start from A$3 or 0.03% of the transaction value, whichever is greater. US shares and ETF trades start from US$0.99 per order. Foreign exchange costs, pass-through fees and other conditions apply. Check the latest pricing and Financial Services Guide before trading.

Step 5: Monitor the holding

ETF holdings and weights can change when an index rebalances or an active manager adjusts the portfolio. Review updated fund disclosures rather than relying on the holdings shown at the time of purchase.

Recurring investments

Recurring investment allows a fixed amount to be invested at scheduled intervals. Purchases take place across different dates rather than through one transaction, but this does not guarantee a lower average purchase price, better returns or protection against losses. This spreads your purchases across different market conditions and reduces the pressure of choosing one entry point. It does not remove market risk or guarantee better returns.

The moomoo recurring calculator lets you test different investment amounts, frequencies and historical periods. For eligible ETFs, you can then create a recurring investment plan in the app and schedule investments daily, weekly, fortnightly or monthly. Available frequencies and requirements may vary by market and security.

Calculator results are hypothetical and based on historical data. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Minimum investment amounts, brokerage and other requirements may apply.

FAQs

1. Are there any space ETFs on the ASX?

Yes. RCKT and MOON are dedicated space-themed ETFs traded on the ASX. Both began trading in 2026 and invest primarily in overseas companies.

2. Do space ETFs provide diversification?

They can diversify exposure across several space-related companies, but they remain concentrated in one investment theme. Some funds also allocate a large percentage to their largest holdings.

3. Can Australians invest in US space ETFs?

Australian investors may be able to access US-listed ETFs through brokers offering US trading. Availability, foreign exchange costs, tax treatment and applicable disclosure documents should be checked first.

4. Which space ETF has the lowest fee?

Among the six funds compared, ROKT had the lowest stated expense ratio at 0.45% as at 1 September 2026. It also covers deep-sea and related frontier industries, so it does not offer the same exposure as a pure space ETF.

Final thoughts

Space ETFs provide several ways to access the industry, but their labels can hide meaningful differences.

RCKT and MOON offer ASX-listed access to concentrated space-industry portfolios. UFO applies a broader index approach, while ARKX and NASA use active management. ROKT combines space with defence, industrial and deep-sea exposure.

Management fees, fund size and recent returns should not be considered in isolation. Review each fund’s holdings, concentration, index methodology, currency exposure and official disclosure documents before investing.

This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of any financial product or investment strategy. Investments carry risk and may result in loss. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The information is general and does not consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. For Australian ETFs, read the latest PDS and TMD. For overseas-listed ETFs, review the relevant prospectus and disclosure documents.