Harnessing the Rise of Space Stocks: How Small Businesses Can Leverage ASTS and Other Trends to Secure Government Contracts in the Aerospace Sector

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The aerospace and space technology sectors have surged into 2026 with renewed energy, driven by notable gains in publicly traded space companies such as AST SpaceMobile (ASTS), Rocket Lab (RKLB), and Firefly Aerospace (FLY). This momentum is underpinned by government support — including executive orders accelerating hypersonic testing and robust NASA lunar contracts — alongside private sector innovation and strong investor interest.

For small businesses eyeing federal aerospace opportunities, these trends present a valuable window to align offerings with government priorities and leverage growth in space-related government contracts. Here’s what you need to know to position your company for success:

1. Understand the Market Momentum and Key Players

Companies like AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) have maintained near all-time high stock valuations following significant rallies fueled by both government and commercial contracts. Meanwhile, Rocket Lab’s $816 million award from the Space Development Agency and Firefly Aerospace’s growing defense backlog signal strong federal procurement involvement.

Small businesses should monitor such marquee NASA and Department of Defense contracts as indicators of priority technologies – from satellite deployment to hypersonic flight testing – guiding where government funding flows.

2. Align Your Small Business with Relevant Contracting Vehicles

Federal agencies procure aerospace goods and services through a variety of contracting vehicles, including GSA schedules, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts, and program-specific contracts like those from NASA or the Space Development Agency. Small businesses should:

• Register and maintain an active profile on SAM.gov (System for Award Management): Essential for government contracting eligibility.
• Pursue relevant GSA schedule contracts: Schedules related to aerospace technology, engineering services, and R&D can streamline access to federal buyers.
• Network and partner strategically: Collaborate with prime contractors or subcontract on larger projects linked to space technologies.

3. Focus on Compliance and Certification

Given the highly technical and security-sensitive nature of aerospace contracts, compliance with federal regulations is critical:

• FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) adherence: Ensures contract compliance.
• ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) and EAR (Export Administration Regulations) compliance: Often required for space technology.
• Quality standards and cybersecurity protocols: As government contracts increasingly require stringent cybersecurity measures (e.g., NIST SP 800-171 for CMMC compliance), small businesses must be prepared.

4. Leverage Procurement Trends and Executive Priorities

Government policies, such as the recent executive orders accelerating space superiority and commercial testing, indicate areas where small businesses can innovate and fill gaps. Potential niches include:

• Hypersonic testing and materials.
• Satellite communications and deployment.
• Lunar exploration support technologies.
• Space data analytics and intelligence services.

Staying informed on announcements from NASA and the Space Development Agency, as well as monitoring stock performance and contract awards to companies like ASTS, can help anticipate emerging procurement needs.

5. Utilize Market Intelligence for Strategic Positioning

Financial market trends around space stocks can provide insights into technology valuation and future government interest. For example:

• The 260% stock rally of AST SpaceMobile in 2025 highlights investor belief in the viability of space-based mobile broadband infrastructure.
• Upcoming missions and launch vehicles from Firefly Aerospace and Intuitive Machines indicate increasing federal demand for lunar and deep-space capabilities.

Small businesses can track these trends and tailor their proposals to emphasize cutting-edge solutions aligned with demonstrated government priorities.

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In Summary

The rise of space stocks such as AST SpaceMobile underscores growing federal investment in commercial space capabilities. Small businesses aiming to enter or expand in aerospace contracting should capitalize on this momentum by aligning capabilities with government priorities, pursuing appropriate contracting vehicles like GSA schedules and SAM.gov registration, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

By staying attuned to procurement trends, cultivating partnerships, and preparing for rigorous contract requirements, SMBs can effectively position themselves to win contracts in this dynamic and expanding sector.

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For more resources on government contracting basics and aerospace opportunities, visit SAM.gov and the GSA’s schedule programs website. Staying proactive and informed is your best strategy to tap into this high-growth federal market.

GovScout helps small businesses break into federal contracting. We simplify SAM.gov, surface winnable contracts, and give you the insights to grow in the public sector. Learn more at govscout.io.