NASA Moon Shot Countdown Underway; Citi Rates This Space Stock A Buy

• Artemis II launches Wednesday at 6:24 p.m. ET from Kennedy Space Center using the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft, with favorable weather conditions reported
• NASA plans subsequent Artemis missions through 2028, including Artemis IV targeting the first lunar landing in early 2028 and annual missions thereafter
• Citi analyst rated Voyager Technologies a buy, expecting new business wins in missiles and space sectors to drive 'significant upside' to estimates; space stocks including Voyager, Rocket Lab, and Intuitive Machines declined 3% or more

Summary: NASA Artemis II Launch and Voyager Technologies Buy Rating

NASA is preparing for the Artemis II mission launch on Wednesday, April 2, with a two-hour launch window beginning at 6:24 p.m. ET from Kennedy Space Center. This marks the first human spaceflight beyond Earth orbit in over 53 years, featuring a 10-day mission around the moon with four crew members aboard the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft.

The Artemis program aims to establish sustained lunar presence and eventually enable Mars missions. Artemis III is scheduled for next year to test commercial landers from SpaceX and Blue Origin. NASA targets early 2028 for the first Artemis lunar landing (Artemis IV), with subsequent missions planned annually.

Key Market Development:

Citi analyst John Godyn initiated coverage on Voyager Technologies with a buy rating, citing the company's exposure to "megatrends" in aerospace and defense, particularly missiles and space sectors. Godyn noted that new business wins in 2025 could drive "significant upside" for the satellite technologies and spacecraft components provider.

Market Reaction:

Space stocks traded lower Monday morning despite the positive NASA developments:

• Voyager Technologies (VOYG): down 3%+
• Rocket Lab (RKLB): down 3%+
• Intuitive Machines: down 3%+
• Virgin Galactic: down 3%+
• Firefly Aerospace: down 1.5%

Weather conditions for the April 2 launch appear favorable, with backup launch opportunities extending through April 6, and an additional launch period opening April 30.