NASA awards, ‘unicorns’ and the biggest IPO ever: A new commercial space boom is underwayFollowing an initial frenzy a decade ago, the commercial space sector is getting a new wave of investment. This time, things are markedly different, experts say.A rendering of astronauts, habitats, rovers, power systems and cargo operations at NASA's planned moon base near the lunar south pole.NASAJune 28, 2026, 7:00 AM EDTIt’s boom time in the commercial space industry. NASA’s push to return to the moon and historic levels of investment in the private space sector have fueled a gold rush to the stars. It’s a space race distinct from any seen in the past, analysts say.Just a moment.We are getting your experience ready.