Next Generation Trust Company, a custodian of self-directed retirement plans, recently published a blog article explaining how investors can include aerospace and defense assets in their self-directed IRAs. The article, available at this link, highlights a range of alternative assets within the private space and defense sectors, which are growing in importance as national security and economic priorities.
According to the article, self-directed IRAs can hold investments such as private equity in private aerospace companies, venture-backed defense tech startups, and space infrastructure and hardware. Specific asset examples include satellites, missile-defense systems, AI integration into space hardware, cybersecurity and data analytics, and dual-use technologies with both military and civilian applications. Additionally, on-airport real estate and aviation infrastructure are viable options.
Jaime Raskulinecz, CEO of Next Generation, emphasized the potential for portfolio diversity: "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." The article notes that Reuters reported a 48% increase in private investment in the sector to $12.4 billion in 2025, with $3.8 billion in the final quarter alone. Morgan Stanley's Space Team estimates the global space industry could grow from $350 billion to over $1 trillion by 2040.
Raskulinecz advised investors to conduct thorough due diligence: "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." Next Generation Trust Company, chartered in South Dakota, provides full account administration and asset custody for self-directed IRAs and other plans. Its sister firm, Next Generation Services, offers comprehensive account administration and transaction support. More information is available at NextGenerationTrust.com.
