Self-directed individual retirement accounts can include alternative assets in the private space and defense sectors, encompassing a range of aerospace-related assets and defense technologies. This information was outlined in a blog article published by Next Generation Trust Company, which provides full account administration and asset custody for self-directed IRAs and other retirement plans. "With space infrastructure growing as a vital national security and economic priority, there are many ways for self-directed investors to build portfolio diversity with these growing investment opportunities, by including investments in the private space and defense technology sectors in a self-directed IRA," said Jaime Raskulinecz, CEO of Next Generation Trust Company.
The article lists various aerospace-related investments available through self-directed IRAs, including private equity funding in private aerospace companies, specialized platforms focusing on venture-backed defense tech startups, space infrastructure and hardware, and other alternative assets. Specific investment categories include satellites and missile-defense systems, artificial intelligence integration into space hardware and defense intelligence, cybersecurity and data analytics, companies involved in research, manufacture or sale of products or services related to defense or aerospace industries, dual-use technologies with both military and civilian applications, and on-airport real estate and aviation infrastructure.
The industry has seen significant growth and increasing investor interest, with Reuters reporting that investments in the sector reached record levels in 2025, with private investment growing 48% to $12.4 billion, including $3.8 billion in the final quarter alone. Morgan Stanley's Space Team, which tracks the space economy, estimates that the global space industry, currently valued at approximately $350 billion, could expand to over $1 trillion by 2040. Raskulinecz emphasized the importance of thorough research, stating that "investors are wise to research all governmental regulations thoroughly before choosing an aerospace-related investment. As with any self-directed investment, due diligence is the watchword for any private placements or private equity firms under consideration as well." More detailed information about these investment opportunities is available in the full article at https://shorturl.at/WvJDu, while additional information about self-directed retirement accounts can be found at https://www.NextGenerationTrust.com.
