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Why Spaceflight, Not EVs, Becomes America’s Next Strategic Industry

WSJ.com: US Business •
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Wall Street analysts argue that America’s next strategic sector will be spaceflight, not electric vehicles. While EV sales have surged, profit margins are tightening as manufacturers grapple with battery costs and subsidy phase‑outs. In contrast, commercial launch firms are locking in multi‑year contracts with defense and satellite operators, promising steadier cash flows.

Policy makers in Washington have begun treating orbital launch capability as a national security priority, echoing Cold‑War era aerospace subsidies. Recent legislation expands tax credits for reusable rockets and streamlines export licensing, nudging venture capital toward the sector. Investors see spaceflight as a hedge against the cyclical nature of the auto market.

For corporate strategists, the shift signals a reallocation of R&D dollars toward propulsion, satellite constellations, and in‑space manufacturing. Companies that can monetize low‑Earth‑orbit services may capture market share previously earmarked for EV battery tech. Watch for merger activity among launch providers and the emergence of joint ventures with traditional aerospace giants.