BlackRock Launches Space ETF – Everything Investors Need to Know About the New Fund

TLDR

• BlackRock launched the iShares Space Technologies UCITS ETF, ticker STAR, for UK and European investors
• The fund tracks the STOXX Global Space Satellites and Drones Index, covering rockets, satellites, and drones
• A fast-track mechanism allows new IPOs to be added within 10–30 days of listing
• The ETF carries a 0.50% expense ratio and is available across 12 European markets plus the UK
• Space ETFs have attracted roughly $8 billion in inflows this year, overtaking defense ETFs

BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, has launched a new space-focused ETF called the iShares Space Technologies UCITS ETF, trading under the ticker STAR. The fund gives UK and European investors access to companies across the space industry.

The ETF tracks the STOXX Global Space Satellites and Drones Index. This index includes companies involved in rocket manufacturing, satellite technology, drone production, and their supply chains.

To qualify for inclusion, companies must generate at least 25% of their revenue from space, satellite, or drone-related activities. Stocks are screened using a two-tier system based on FactSet RBICS revenue classifications.

Fast-Track IPO Inclusion

One feature that sets STAR apart from traditional index funds is its IPO fast-entry mechanism. Newly listed companies can be added to the index within 10 to 30 days of their market debut, rather than waiting for a scheduled rebalance.

This is seen as especially relevant given growing investor anticipation around the expected IPO of SpaceX. Investors could gain exposure to such listings much faster through STAR than through conventional funds.

Omar Moufti, thematics and sectors product strategist at BlackRock, said launch costs are falling and satellite adoption is rising, making the space economy an increasingly important long-term investment theme.

Current Holdings

Several major US-listed space companies are already part of the ETF’s holdings. These include Rocket Lab, AST SpaceMobile, Planet Labs, Viasat, Intuitive Machines, Redwire, Globalstar, EchoStar, Iridium Communications, and Firefly Aerospace.

The fund carries a total expense ratio of 0.50%. It is available in the UK and across 12 European markets, including Germany, France, Ireland, Italy, Spain, and Sweden.

According to Bloomberg Intelligence, space ETFs have pulled in roughly $8 billion in inflows this year. That figure has overtaken defense ETFs, making space one of the most popular ETF themes right now.

BlackRock said STAR is designed to cover the full space value chain through a single investment vehicle. That spans rockets and satellites through to autonomous technologies.

Other space ETF options already exist for investors. The Procure Space ETF has gained more than 109% over the past year, making it the strongest performer in the group.

BlackRock also offers broader aerospace exposure through its iShares US Aerospace & Defense ETF and iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF, though these cover a wider sector than STAR’s focused mandate.

STAR launched on June 9, 2026, and is now live across all listed markets.

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