Will SpaceX IPO This Year? Should You Invest in US Aerospace Now? | Kim Seung-hyun, Head of ETF/Quant Solution, Hana Asset Management

스페이스X 연내 상장 미국 우주항공 지금 투자해도 될까? | 김승현 하나자산운용 ETF/퀀트솔루션 본부장 [글로벌 인터뷰]
Watch on YouTube ↗  |  January 26, 2026 at 22:33  |  39:12  |  3PRO TV (삼프로TV)
Speakers
Kim Seung-hyun — Head of ETF/Quant Solution Division, Hana Asset Management

Summary

The video is a global interview with Kim Seung-hyun, Head of ETF/Quant Solution Division at Hana Asset Management, on whether US space and aerospace stocks are still investable as SpaceX moves toward a potential IPO. Kim argues the space industry is a multi-year secular theme with 2026 as a catalyst-rich year, highlighting SpaceX's expected IPO, Rocket Lab, AST SpaceMobile, satellite communications, Artemis, and policy support for space and defense. He also warns about near-term volatility and says investors should monitor developments rather than chase short-term moves.

  • SpaceX is expected to IPO in late 2026, with indirect pre-IPO exposure available through some ETFs or funds.
  • The guest sees the space and aerospace industry as a long-term secular growth theme with many 2026 catalysts.
  • Satellite communications is framed as critical infrastructure for AI, robotics, shipping, aviation, and disaster response.
  • Rocket Lab is discussed as the main listed SpaceX competitor and a beneficiary of NASA and defense contracts.
  • AST SpaceMobile is highlighted for direct-to-cell satellite technology and a potential 2026 commercial turnaround.
  • Artemis, lunar supply chain, and US defense/space policy are cited as additional investment themes.
  • Risks include high short-term volatility and uncertain timing of launches, earnings, and the SpaceX IPO.
  • Early in the video, natural gas and FOMC inflation/rate commentary was noted but not developed into a clear trade.
Ideas
Kim Seung-hyun Head of ETF/Quant Solution Division, Hana Asset Management 4:28
SpaceX IPO offers indirect pre-IPO exposure.
SpaceX is expected to IPO in the second half of 2026, likely closer to the fourth quarter, and could debut at a valuation around 1,400 trillion won, making it a possible top-10 S&P 500 company. Institutional demand is intense, but because SpaceX is still private, direct purchase is almost impossible; investors can only get indirect exposure through ETFs or funds that hold pre-IPO SpaceX shares. Monitor IPO updates and pre-IPO vehicles.
Kim Seung-hyun Head of ETF/Quant Solution Division, Hana Asset Management 5:18
Rocket Lab is best listed SpaceX proxy.
Rocket Lab is the only listed company with meaningful SpaceX-like launch and space infrastructure exposure. It has moved from subcontractor to direct NASA contracts, benefits from Golden Dome and defense demand, owns differentiated optical lens technology, and is expanding from small to medium Neutron launches. Its February earnings and successful Neutron launches could be positive catalysts, though delays and volatility are risks.
Kim Seung-hyun Head of ETF/Quant Solution Division, Hana Asset Management 7:27
Space industry is multi-year secular growth.
The speaker is bullish on the space and aerospace industry over a 5-10 year horizon and calls 2026 a catalyst-rich year of space. Drivers include SpaceX's IPO, Starship reusability, Artemis lunar missions, satellite communications growth, US-China space and defense competition, and Trump administration support. He warns of near-term volatility and says investors should size positions carefully and monitor launch cadence.
Kim Seung-hyun Head of ETF/Quant Solution Division, Hana Asset Management 7:36
Satellite communications demand is structurally growing.
Satellite communications is a critical and underappreciated enabler for AI, humanoid robots, shipping, aviation, disaster response, and regions without reliable terrestrial internet. About 90% of the world lacks proper coverage, and Starlink's Korean commercialization and adoption by shipping, aviation, and high-rise safety users show the theme is moving into real industrial deployment.
Kim Seung-hyun Head of ETF/Quant Solution Division, Hana Asset Management 24:52
Artemis drives lunar supply-chain revenue growth.
NASA's Artemis program aims to return astronauts to the Moon after half a century, with possible launches next month and a multi-phase plan including lunar space stations and nuclear power facilities. In the New Space era, NASA relies on private contractors and about 3,800 suppliers, so Artemis-related contracts can contribute to real revenue growth for space supply-chain companies.
Kim Seung-hyun Head of ETF/Quant Solution Division, Hana Asset Management 30:09
AST SpaceMobile direct-to-cell turnaround.
AST SpaceMobile is a satellite-to-cell company backed by AT&T and Verizon. Its BlueBird satellites enable direct phone connectivity without a dish, a different architecture from Starlink. Commercial service is expected around mid-2026, with large contracts and cash runway supporting a potential earnings turnaround; it is a more suitable satellite communications pure play than a direct Starlink competitor.
Up Next

This 3PRO TV (삼프로TV) video, published January 26, 2026, features Kim Seung-hyun discussing Pre-IPO SpaceX ETFs/funds, RKLB, ITA, Satellite communications, Artemis/lunar supply chain, ASTS. 6 trade ideas extracted by AI with direction and confidence scoring.

Speakers: Kim Seung-hyun  · Tickers: Pre-IPO SpaceX ETFs/funds, RKLB, ITA, Satellite communications, Artemis/lunar supply chain, ASTS