RKLB, LUNR, SATL Poised to Gain from NASA Artemis II, Says Cantor Analyst

Cantor Fitzgerald’s top analyst Andres Sheppard emphasized that the New NASA Artemis II mission is positive for three space stocks in his coverage: Rocket Lab (RKLB), Intuitive Machines (LUNR), and Satellogic (SATL).

Sheppard noted that NASA’s Artemis program plans annual uncrewed Moon landings soon, followed by crewed landings every six months later this decade. These stocks could gain from more frequent launches, a permanent lunar base, nuclear propulsion for Mars missions, and commercial space stations in low Earth orbit.

Sheppard is a four-star analyst on TipRanks, ranking #2,828 out of 12,128 analysts tracked. He has a 38% success rate and an average return per rating of 6.90%.

What Is the Artemis II Mission?

NASA’s Artemis II mission launched on April 1, sending four astronauts on a 10-day trip around Earth and the Moon. It marked the first crewed flight for the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion capsule. Although Artemis II did not land on the Moon, it is a vital step toward a 2028 lunar landing and NASA’s goal of a lasting human presence there. This news has put the broader space sector in the spotlight, including propulsion and launch services.

Rocket Lab (RKLB) Stock Forecast

Rocket Lab builds rockets and provides launch services for satellites. It recently completed its first launch of 2026, its 85^th overall. Sheppard believes that this steady success sets RKLB apart in the industry.

RKLB’s small Electron rocket earns $8.5 million to $10 million per launch (including rideshare options). Its upcoming Neutron rocket will earn $50 million to $55 million each, with Neutron expected to greatly boost RKLB’s profits.

Sheppard highlighted strong advantages for RKLB: three rocket types, diverse customers, and dedicated launch sites in New Zealand and the U.S. He has a Buy rating on RKLB and an $85 price target, implying 25.5% upside potential.

Intuitive Machines (LUNR) Stock Forecast

Intuitive Machines specializes in lunar exploration. Sheppard noted that NASA has already given LUNR a Lunar Payload Service contract called CLPS CT-4. This contract sends LUNR back to the Moon, and Sheppard calls it a major win worth about $180 million. It is LUNR’s fifth task order, positioning LUNR ahead of competitors.

The CT-4 mission will also fund a bigger lander. The analyst previously noted this as a key near-term boost for LUNR. He recommends buying LUNR when the stock dips, as he sees more big catalysts ahead. Sheppard has a Buy rating on LUNR and a Street-high price target of $26, implying 8.4% upside potential from current levels.

Satellogic (SATL) Stock Forecast

Satellogic designs and operates Earth-observation satellites. These satellites capture high-resolution images of Earth for monitoring weather, defense, and more. SATL has partnered with the U.S. Office of Naval Research (ONR) and Innovative Defense Technologies, a private firm.

SATL recently launched Merlin, a system targeting daily global 1-meter resolution images and real-time intelligence. The first launch is planned for October 2026 with 8 satellites, and full operations slated for early 2027.

Sheppard likes SATL’s strong Q4 results and Merlin launch, calling them major boosts. They also see big potential in using SATL’s current satellites more efficiently. He has a Buy rating on SATL and a Street-high price target of $7, suggesting 3.4% upside.   

RKLB vs. LUNR vs. SATL: Which Is the Best Rocket Stock per Analysts?

The TipRanks Stock Comparison Tool shows that analysts currently have a “Strong Buy” consensus on SATL and LUNR stocks and a Moderate Buy consensus on RKLB stock. Among them, RKLB stock has the highest consensus upside potential of 28.3% over the next twelve months.