Rocket Lab, AST SpaceMobile, Virgin Galactic Shares Are Rising After Hours: What's Going On?

Adam Eckert

June 05, 2025

Space stocks are rising in Thursday’s after-hours session amid an escalation of a public dispute between SpaceX’s Elon Musk and President Donald Trump.

What Happened: Musk and Trump are throwing jabs on their respective social media platforms spurred by the former’s disapproval of a large tax bill being pushed by Trump.

In a Truth Social post Thursday afternoon, Trump said the easiest way to cut spending is to get rid of Musk’s government subsidies and contracts.

Musk quickly responded with a post on X, indicating that SpaceX would immediately start decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft, which is currently the only option the U.S. has for carrying crew members to the International Space Station.

NASA press secretary Bethany Stevens chimed in on the dispute, noting that NASA will continue to work with Trump to carry out his vision for the future of space.

“We will continue to work with our industry partners to ensure the President's objectives in space are met,” Stevens said in an X post.

Space stocks appear to be rallying in response to the news as investors are optimistic the spat could create more opportunities for other space companies.

Rocket Lab Corp (NASDAQ:RKLB), which has multiple contracts with NASA, saw its shares rise 5.22% in Thursday’s after-hours session, while AST SpaceMobile Inc (NASDAQ:ASTS) shares climbed nearly 3% at last check.

AST SpaceMobile is one of Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin's top customers. The companies signed a deal in November 2024 for the launch of up to 45 satellites. A Scotiabank analyst speculated this week that the relationship between the two companies could get even stronger in the near future.

Shares of heavily-shorted Virgin Galactic Holdings Inc (NYSE:SPCE) were also up nearly 15% in after-hours at the time of writing.

The dispute between Musk and Trump comes about two weeks after Trump announced the architecture for a $175 billion Golden Dome missile defense system. The system will feature next-generation technologies, including “space-based sensors and interceptors” and “a lot” of American companies will be involved, according to Trump.

The tax bill, referred to as Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” is expected to include $175 billion for the Golden Dome project.

Read Next:

Trump-Musk Feud Gets Ugly: ETFs Exposed With Tesla Caught In The Crossfire

Photo: courtesy of Rocket Lab.

Recommended

Is Elon's Empire Crumbling? - Ad

Do These 4 Things to Your Bank Account Now ... - Ad

Back This Medical AI Tech - Ad

WASHINGTON (AP) — President keeps saying that Republicans' mega legislation will eliminate taxes on federal benefits.

Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sanchez Get Married In A $50 Million Wedding In Venice: From Foam Party On His $500 Million Yatch To Goodie Bags, Here's What We Know

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez's extravagant $50 million wedding in Venice included a foam party on his $500 million yacht.

The Tesla Shock Nobody Sees Coming

The Tesla Shock Nobody Sees Coming - Ad

While headlines scream "Tesla is doomed"...Jeff Brown has uncovered a revolutionary AI breakthrough buried inside Tesla's labs. One that is helping AI escape from our computer screens and manifest itself here in the real world all while creating a 25,000% growth market explosion starting as early as July 23rd.

BigBear.ai, AMD, QuantumScape, Coinbase, Tesla: Why These 5 Stocks Are On Investors' Radars Today

U.S. stocks ended the day on a high note, with the Nasdaq gaining over 1.4% on Tuesday to 19,912.53. The Dow also traded up 1.2% to 43,089.02, while the S&P 500 rose by 1.1% to 6,092.18. These are the top stocks that gained the attention of retail traders and investors throughout the day:

These are the celebs who are attending Jeff Bezos’ Venice wedding

VENICE, Italy (AP) — arrived in Venice on Thursday, leading a star-studded guest list of celebrities descending on the lagoon city for the weekend wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez.

A 64% Dividend From Gold?

A 64% Dividend From Gold? - Ad

Gold is soaring. But here's what no one's talking about: a way to earn a 64% dividend-paid in real cash every 30 days. No trading. No risky mining stocks. Just one simple move in your brokerage account... and you could start collecting monthly income almost instantly.

Warren Buffett Skips Big Banks Like JPMorgan and Wells Fargo, Bets $459 Million On This One Asset

Warren Buffett has shifted his investment strategy, investing $459 million in Sirius XM after selling his stakes in Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, and Wells Fargo.

Trump says he's not planning to extend a pause on global tariffs beyond July 9

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he is not planning to extend on most nations beyond July 9, when the negotiating period he set would expire, and his administration will notify countries that the trade penalties will take effect unless there are

FDA Submission Expected This Summer - Invest Before It Happens

FDA Submission Expected This Summer - Invest Before It Happens - Ad

This company is making heart disease easier to detect with AI. Their tech has officially been designated a "Breakthrough" by the FDA. You now have an opportunity to get in at a potential inflection point.

Trump vents online about service provider after conference call marred by glitch

WASHINGTON (AP) — On Monday afternoon, the president of the United States was just another person complaining online about his service provider.

Apogee Therapeutics' Eczema Drug Provides Rapid Itch Relief In Phase 2 Trial

Apogee's APG777 showed a 71% drop in eczema severity and strong itch relief in a Phase 2 trial for atopic dermatitis. Part B is ongoing.

Tariff-Driven Cash Payouts, Right Off Your Smart Phone?

Tariff-Driven Cash Payouts, Right Off Your Smart Phone? - Ad

The U.S. Treasury has raked in $15B from Trump's tariffs - and now, thanks to Title 15, you could pocket $100-$1,000 upfront payouts yourself. No stocks needed. Just use your phone and my #1 income strategy to start collecting now.

Autonomous Vehicles Hit Their 'ChatGPT Moment' — Best Stocks To Watch Now

Autonomous vehicles are entering their ‘ChatGPT moment' as AI unlocks real-world deployment. Discover 28 top stocks in a $1.2 trillion market.

Hong Kong's security net extends beyond arrests as small businesses pressured

HONG KONG (AP) — It’s been years since all but silenced pro-democracy activism in Hong Kong. But a crackdown on dissent in the semiautonomous Chinese city is still expanding, hitting restaurants, bookstores and other small businesses.

You Voted for Trump. You Didn't Vote for This...

You Voted for Trump. You Didn't Vote for This... - Ad

Markets in chaos-stocks wiped out, tariffs from the 1930s, agencies collapsing. But it's not random: Trump's "GREAT RESET" is a four-year plan to reset markets, risking $10T in value. Discover if your retirement is in danger and learn the one trade that could turn $1,000 into $29,000 by the end of 2026.

Would you hail a 'robotaxi'? Musk bets cabs will give Tesla a lift after boycotts and sales plunge

NEW YORK (AP) — Elon Musk promised in 2019 that driverless Tesla “robotaxis” would be on the road “next year,” but it didn’t happen. A year later, he promised to deliver them the next year, but that didn’t happen either.

Cathie Wood Drops $6.5 Million On SHOP And ABNB, Betting You Won't Stop Shopping Or Traveling

Ark Invest made strategic acquisitions of Shopify and Airbnb, reflecting its interest in high-growth tech and e-commerce sectors on Tuesday June 24, 2025.

What's inside Elon's building in Memphis will shock you

What's inside Elon's building in Memphis will shock you - Ad

Inside Elon Musk's Memphis site lies a supercomputer built to power the world's first superhuman AI. It could make Elon a trillionaire - and new millionaires, too. With just $500, you could get in before the July 1st funding window closes.

Dave Ramsey Has Blunt Advice On How Much To Spend To Keep A Pet Dog Alive: 'I've Seen People Spend Tens Of Thousands Of Dollars…'

Dave Ramsey offers tough advice to pet owners facing financial difficulties. He advises against going into debt to keep pets alive.

Asia Markets Mixed, Europe Edges Lower, Dollar Weakens On Rate Cut Bets - Global Markets Today While US Slept

US markets closed higher on Friday with record highs amid trade optimism and Fed rate cuts. Dow up 1%, S&P 500 up 0.54%, Nasdaq up 0.52%.

Stunning Trump Policy Unlocks Upfront Cash Payouts

Stunning Trump Policy Unlocks Upfront Cash Payouts - Ad

The U.S. has collected $15B from Trump's tariffs - and now, thanks to Title 15, you could claim your own $100-$1,000 instant upfront cash payouts. No stocks needed. Use your phone and this income technique to collect upfront payouts now.

Paramount to pay $16 million in settlement with Trump over '60 Minutes' interview

In a case seen as a challenge to free speech, Paramount has agreed to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump over the editing of CBS' “60 Minutes” interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris in October.

Big Banks Pass Fed's 2025 Stress Test With Ease—But Some Say It Was Too Easy

All major U.S. banks passed the Fed's 2025 stress test, but critics say easier assumptions may have padded the results.

Is Elon's Empire Crumbling?

Is Elon's Empire Crumbling? - Ad

Jeff Brown - the legend who called Tesla and Nvidia early - says Elon is about to launch a $25T AI revolution. This isn't another chatbot. It's real-world AI that could 14X the impact of ChatGPT. But after July 23rd, it may be too late.

Equinix Stock Up 1.7% After Key Trading Signal

A significant trading signal occurred for Equinix stock as it demonstrated a power inflow at $786.99, after which EQIX rose up to 1.7%.

Bernie Sanders Warns Of 'Concentration of Ownership' In US Companies: 'That's Power'

Bernie Sanders claims Wall Street giants hold majority of US corporations, giving them power to steer economy & politics. Wants reform & better wages

Do These 4 Things to Your Bank Account Now ...

Do These 4 Things to Your Bank Account Now ... - Ad

A sweeping U.S. policy could soon let the government track-or even freeze-your bank account. But there are 4 simple steps you can take right now to protect your savings before it's potentially too late.

Trump Brokers Peace Deal Between DR Congo And Rwanda — Now Eyes Billions In US Investment

Trump brokers a peace deal between DR Congo and Rwanda, aiming to end conflict and unlock U.S. investment in critical African minerals.

China's humanoid robots generate more soccer excitement than their human counterparts

BEIJING (AP) — While China's men's soccer team hasn't generated much excitement in recent years, humanoid robot teams have won over fans in Beijing based more on the AI technology involved than any athletic prowess shown.

Back This Medical AI Tech

Back This Medical AI Tech - Ad

You don't often find healthcare tech company valued at $4M. HeartSciences is an exception. With $75M invested, including R&D, clinical trials, and product development, their patented AI software is approaching FDA submission, a potential major inflection point.

Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin Climb As Trump Labels Growing BTC Adoption As 'Great Thing': Sell Pressure On Largest Crypto May Be Fading Away, Says Analyst

Leading cryptocurrencies rose Sunday as President Donald Trump called Bitcoin’s growing adoption a “great thing” for the United States.

Shooting Stars: Rocket Lab Breaks Records (And Stock Up 640% In Past Year), AST SpaceMobile Impresses Defense, Kuiper Grows

Here's a look at recent highlights, news catalysts and upcoming events in the space stock sector.

The Tesla Shock Nobody Sees Coming

The Tesla Shock Nobody Sees Coming - Ad

Donald Trump Drops Hint About Potential TikTok Buyer, But Keeps Details Close To His Chest

President Trump has indicated the presence of a potential buyer for the US operations of TikTok.

LOCALIZE IT: Tariffs could impact next year's fireworks displays and sales; see state consumer laws

EDITORS/NEWS DIRECTORS:

A 64% Dividend From Gold?

A 64% Dividend From Gold? - Ad

Canadian Prime Minister Carney says trade talks with US resume after Canada rescinded tech tax

TORONTO (AP) — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said late Sunday trade talks with U.S. have resumed after Canada rescinded its plan to tax U.S. technology firms.

Apple Sues Ex-Engineer Over Alleged Theft Of Vision Pro Secrets As Snap Prepares AR Glasses Launch

Apple files lawsuit accusing former senior design engineer of stealing confidential information before leaving to work at Snap.

FDA Submission Expected This Summer - Invest Before It Happens

FDA Submission Expected This Summer - Invest Before It Happens - Ad

Michael Novogratz's Galaxy And Invesco File To Launch Solana ETF: What You Should Know About QSOL

Asset management giant Invesco filed for a cryptocurrency exchange-traded fund focused on Solana (CRYPTO: SOL) on Wednesday, expanding its offerings beyond Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC).

Trending Now