Why RocketLab Could Soar Higher Than Virgin Galactic
Before SpaceX, and certainly before Blue Origin, Wall Street was abuzz over Virgin Galactic Holdings (NYSE: SPCE). Indeed, this company can be credited with the proliferation, or at least the popularization, of the space tourism industry. Yet informed investors might wonder whether Virgin Galactic's apparent leadership position in the privatized space race hinges on the company actually having the best track record, or on founder Richard Branson's prowess as a hype man. Rocket Lab USA (NASDAQ: RKLB) might not steal Branson's thunder, but it could threaten to steal Virgin Galactic's market share. Whatever Rocket Lab lacks in hype and hoopla, it makes up for with results.
Image source: Getty Images.
Branson did get into space on July 11, but beyond that milestone, Virgin Galactic's brief history has been marred with issues, with flights repeatedly aborted, postponed, or plagued with problems. The company's already faced FAA scrutiny and pushed back commercial flights until at least the fourth quarter of 2022.
Source Fool.com