🚀 UFO-Focused ETF Inbound

Plus Airbus earnings, $RKLB's 60th Electron launch, $LUNR IM-2 Mission, Saronic $600M Series C, and more! The latest space investing news and updates.

February 21, 2025

The Space Scoop

Week Ended 02.21.2025

Happy Friday! In what was a slower newswire week, the capital raises were abundant and the earnings calendar is reaching capacity. Lets dive in.

Market Max-Q

Forward

Top Stories

1) Tuttle Capital Management files proposal with the SEC for a UFO-focused ETF.

  • The asset manager recently submitted regulatory filings with the SEC for an ETF titled Tuttle Capital UFO Disclosure AI Powered ETF ($UFOD) will invest at least 80% of its assets in “believes have potential exposure to advanced or ‘reverse-engineered’ alien technology, spurred by disclosures about UFOs and alleged advanced technologies.”

  • These companies will include aerospace groups and defence contractors that may have research and development programs “rumored to work with classified technology, potentially leading to groundbreaking advancements."

  • Each offering will integrate AI-driven selection models to determine portfolio composition and adjust allocations. The filing states that the ETFs will be listed on the Cboe BZX Exchange.

  • Specific launch dates and expense ratios have not been disclosed at this time, which are pending regulatory approval process.

  • Space investors will have another ETF comparable to add to their watchlists and portfolios.

2) Airbus ($AIR.PA/$EADSY) reported Q4 and FY 2024 earnings. Takeaway includes: 

  • The Defence and Space segment reported annual revenues of €12.1 billion, or +5% YoY, mainly driven by the Air Power business.

  • The segment also produced adjusted EBIT of €(566) million that reflects the realization of €1.3 billion in charges from space programs.

  • CFO Thomas Toepfer said that the company does not anticipate additional charges as it’s completed the review of all its space programs. Shares traded -6% lower on the week.

In Other News

ATMOS Raises €13.1M Seed Round 

(SIT)

The European space logistics startup is building infrastructure to enable cargo return from space and will utilize the capital to support the advancement of its PHOENIX 2 capsule. The funding came from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator via a €2.5M grant, €5.3M in equity from the fund, and €5.3M from private equity funds.

Saronic Raises $600M Series C Round 

(PRN)

The Austin-based startup focused on building autonomous ships to redefining maritime superiority for the United States and its allies is now valued at $4B. The round was led by Elad Gil, with participation from new investor General Catalyst and existing investors a16z, Caffeinated Capital and 8VC.

Karman+ Raises $20M Seed Round 

(Co)

The autonomous asteroids mining spacecraft startup will use the funds to develop a first technology demonstration and customer mission estimated for 2027. The round was led by Plural and Hummingbird, with participation from HCVC, Kevin Mahaffey and angel investors.

Kapta Space Raises $5M Seed Round 

(PRN)

Exiting from stealth, the startup is focused on the development of advanced spaceborne electronically-steered, radar-based imaging technology and will use the funds to accelerate on-orbit demonstrations. The round was led by MetaVC Partners, in participation with Entrada Ventures and Blue Collective.

Chart of the Week

Q4 Global Orbital Space Launches 

(Source)

Links

• BlackSky ($BKSY) Wins Six-Figure Contract With Strategic International Customer for Subscription-Based Gen-2 Imagery & Analytics Services• Rocket Lab ($RKLB) Successfully Launches 60th Electron, First of Multiple Missions for BlackSky• Northrop Grumman ($NOC) Board Declares Quarterly Dividend• Viasat ($VSAT) Selected by Aeromexico To Upgrade In-Flight Connectivity• Intuitive Machines ($LUNR) IM-2 Mission Scheduled for Launch No Earlier Than February 26th• Blue Origin’s NS-30 Mission Targets Liftoff on February 25th

Opinion

• Musk Calls for Deorbiting ISS “As Soon as Possible”• A Bold Frontier: Advancing America’s Space Leadership and Economic Power• Rocket Lab ($RKLB): Why I’m Cautious Despite Its Strong Growth Story

Earnings Calendar

• $SPCE: Feb 26 - After Market Close• $SATS: Feb 27 - Before Market Open• $RKLB: Feb 27 - After Market Close• $GSAT: Feb 27 - After Market Close• $ASTS: Mar 3 - After Market Close• $BKSY: Mar 6 - Before Market Open• $MDA: Mar 7 - Before Market Open• $186A: Mar 14 - After Market Close• $PL: Mar 20 - After Market Close

*Company confirmed dates only.