---
title: "Rocket Lab (RKLB) vs. Planet Labs (PL): Which Space Stock Is the Better Buy for 2026?"
type: "News"
locale: "en"
url: "https://longbridge.com/en/news/281648165.md"
description: "Rocket Lab (RKLB) and Planet Labs (PL) are prominent players in the growing space industry, with Rocket Lab focusing on infrastructure and Planet Labs on data services. Analysts favor Rocket Lab for its growth potential, backed by a $1.85 billion backlog and a significant $816 million contract with the Space Development Agency. However, risks include cash burn and delays in launching its Neutron rocket, pushing the first launch to late 2026. Despite these challenges, Rocket Lab holds a Moderate Buy rating with a target price of $86.92, indicating a potential upside of 28.3%."
datetime: "2026-04-03T14:52:03.000Z"
locales:
  - [zh-CN](https://longbridge.com/zh-CN/news/281648165.md)
  - [en](https://longbridge.com/en/news/281648165.md)
  - [zh-HK](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/281648165.md)
---

# Rocket Lab (RKLB) vs. Planet Labs (PL): Which Space Stock Is the Better Buy for 2026?

As the space industry continues to grow, Rocket Lab (RKLB) and Planet Labs (PL) are standing out as top performers. However, they are two very different types of investments. More specifically, Rocket Lab is building the "infrastructure" of space, such as rockets and satellites, while Planet Labs focuses on selling data and insights from space. Therefore, investors are choosing between a higher-growth, more capital-heavy business and a more stable, software-like model. Interestingly, analysts currently think that Rocket Lab is the better buy in terms of upside potential. Nevertheless, let's break down each company.

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## **Rocket Lab: The Growth and Infrastructure Play**

We'll begin with Rocket Lab, which operates as a full space company with a backlog of about $1.85 billion. This is important because it gives it strong visibility into future revenue. In addition, its Space Systems segment now accounts for about 67% of total revenue, indicating that its business is expanding quickly beyond just rocket launches. The company also secured a major $816 million contract with the Space Development Agency, which highlights the strong and growing demand from government customers.

However, there are some risks. For instance, the company is heavily investing in its new Neutron rocket, but delays have pushed its first launch to late 2026. Meanwhile, Rocket Lab is still burning cash to fund its growth, which could pressure the stock if things don't go as planned. Even so, analysts remain positive overall, giving Rocket Lab a Moderate Buy rating and an average price target of $86.92 per share that suggests 28.3% upside.

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## Related News & Research

- [Rocket Lab Stock Forecast 2026 — What Financial Analysts Expect Right Now](https://longbridge.com/en/news/286255942.md)
- [AG2R LA Mondiale Gestion D Actifs Purchases Shares of 28,288 Rocket Lab Corporation $RKLB](https://longbridge.com/en/news/286212920.md)
- [Truist Financial Corp Has $1.27 Million Stock Holdings in Rocket Lab Corporation $RKLB](https://longbridge.com/en/news/286643655.md)
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