2025 capped off a record year for orbital launches, confirming that the space industry is more than alive and well. This creates a growth opportunity set for the Procure Space ETF (UFO), which can capture ongoing developments in the industry in 2026.
Payload Space highlighted the banner year for launches around the globe with 329 rocket launch attempts. Out of those attempts, 321, or about 98%, reached orbit or near orbit based on data compilation from astronomer Jonathan McDowell.
The United States was atop the leaderboard for orbital launches based on country with 181 launches. China was runner-up, with 92 launches (35% more than the previous year) while Russia and New Zealand rounded out the top three with 17 launches apiece.
At the company-specific level, SpaceX accounted for the majority of launches taking place in the U.S. Launchers in the U.S. reached or nearly reached orbit 179 out of the 181 attempts — a 99% success rate. Firefly and Northrop Grumman were also mentioned, which are both holdings in the UFO ETF (as of January 28, 2026).
Needless to say, exciting developments are occurring in the space technology sector. UFO is poised to capture these developments.
International and Sector Diversification
As seen in the record number of launches last year, advancing space technology is a global effort. With that, UFO seeks investment results that track the S-Network Space Index, a global index. This gives the UFO ETF exposure to opportunities beyond the U.S. border, adding international diversification in the process. Investors will get exposure to companies like the Canada-based MDA Space Ltd, Luxembourg-based SES S.A., and the Japan-based SKY Perfect JSAT, to name a few of the international holdings.
The index adds exposure to companies that operate within the space economy such as manufacturers and developers. However, it also includes those that derive their revenue from utilizing space technology. EchoStar, for example, leverages satellite technology as a content conduit through brands like Boost Mobile, DISH TV, Sling TV, and HughesNet. SiriusXM Holdings and Garmin use the technology for music streaming and GPS technology, respectively.
Growth opportunities are abound in 2026. With thematic ETFs seeing a resurgence, UFO is an ideal ETF to place on the watchlist.
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Originally published on ETF Trends
VettaFi LLC (“VettaFi”) is the index provider for UFO, which it receives an index licensing fee. However, UFO is not issued, sponsored, endorsed or sold by VettaFi, and VettaFi has no obligation or liability in connection with the issuance, administration, marketing, or trading of UFO.
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