BlackRock launches STAR ETF tracking space technology stocks

BlackRock has launched the iShares Space Technologies UCITS ETF, giving UK and European investors listed exposure to space companies.

Summary

• BlackRock launched the STAR ETF to track companies tied to space, satellites, drones, and related supply chains.
• The ETF allows eligible IPOs to enter the index within 10 to 30 days after listing.
• STAR trades across the UK and 12 European markets with a total expense ratio of 0.50%.

BlackRock said the fund trades under the ticker STAR and tracks the STOXX Global Space Satellites and Drones Index. The product covers rocket makers, satellite firms, drone producers, and companies tied to their supply chains.

BlackRock’s STAR ETF tracks space, satellites, and drones

According to a Bloomberg report, the STAR ETF tracks an index of companies with direct revenue from space-related activities. According to BlackRock, eligible firms must earn at least 25% of revenue from space, satellite, or drone operations.

The index uses FactSet RBICS revenue data to screen companies under a two-tier process. It includes businesses linked to rocket manufacturing, satellite systems, drone production, and related supply-chain services.

BlackRock said STAR gives access to the full space value chain through one listed fund. The fund carries a total expense ratio of 0.50% across its listed European markets. The fund targets listed equities only, based on the index methodology and public market listings.

The IPO fast-entry feature separates STAR from older funds

STAR includes a fast-entry rule for newly listed companies that meet the index requirements. The index can add IPOs within 10 to 30 days after their market debut.

The feature differs from traditional index funds, which usually wait for scheduled rebalances. BlackRock linked the rule to rising attention around new public listings in space technology.

As reported by crypto.news earlier, market interest has grown around a possible SpaceX IPO. Through STAR, eligible new listings could enter the index faster than standard fund schedules allow.

BlackRock names current holdings and European markets

Current STAR holdings include Rocket Lab, AST SpaceMobile, Planet Labs, Viasat, and Intuitive Machines. The fund also holds Redwire, Globalstar, EchoStar, Iridium Communications, and Firefly Aerospace. BlackRock listed STAR in the UK and across 12 European markets. Those markets include Germany, France, Ireland, Italy, Spain, and Sweden, according to the fund details.

Omar Moufti, BlackRock’s thematics and sectors product strategist, cited lower launch costs and rising satellite adoption. He said those factors make the space economy an important long-term investment theme. Bloomberg Intelligence said space ETFs have drawn roughly $8 billion in inflows this year. The same data showed space funds have overtaken defense ETFs by inflows during the period.

Other space-focused funds already trade for investors seeking similar exposure. The Procure Space ETF has gained more than 109% over the past year, according to the supplied data. BlackRock also runs the iShares US Aerospace & Defense ETF and the iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF. STAR launched on June 9, 2026, and now trades across all listed markets.