Self-directed Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) can include alternative assets from the private space and defense sectors, according to information outlined in a blog article published by Next Generation Trust Company. The company 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.
Jaime Raskulinecz, CEO of Next Generation Trust Company, emphasized that investors can include investments in the private space and defense technology sectors in a self-directed IRA. The article lists a range of aerospace-related investments that qualify, such as private equity funding in private aerospace companies and specialized platforms that focus on venture-backed defense tech startups. Other eligible alternative assets include space infrastructure and hardware, satellites, missile-defense systems, AI integration into space hardware and defense intelligence, cybersecurity and data analytics solutions, and companies involved in the research, manufacture, or sale of products or services related to the defense or aerospace industries.
The article also notes that dual-use technologies, which have both military and civilian applications, can be included in self-directed IRAs, along with on-airport real estate and aviation infrastructure. This broad range of eligible assets provides investors with numerous options to gain exposure to sectors experiencing significant growth. According to Reuters, investments in the sector hit 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 around $350 billion, could skyrocket to over $1 trillion by 2040. This projected growth underscores the potential long-term value of including such assets in retirement portfolios. Raskulinecz advised that investors should research all governmental regulations thoroughly before choosing an aerospace-related investment. As with any self-directed investment, due diligence is crucial for any private placements or private equity firms under consideration.
The ability to include these assets in self-directed IRAs allows investors to diversify their retirement savings beyond traditional stocks and bonds, potentially hedging against market volatility and participating in high-growth industries. The regulatory framework governing these investments requires careful navigation, which is where custodians like Next Generation Trust Company provide essential services. Investors interested in learning more can read the full article at https://shorturl.at/WvJDu and find additional information about the company at https://www.NextGenerationTrust.com.
This development is significant for the retirement planning landscape, as it opens doors to asset classes previously inaccessible within tax-advantaged accounts. For the aerospace and defense industries, it represents a new channel of investment capital from individual retirement savers. As these sectors continue to expand due to technological advancements and increased governmental and commercial focus, self-directed IRA investors have a unique opportunity to align their retirement strategies with global economic and security trends. The emphasis on due diligence remains paramount, ensuring that investors make informed decisions while navigating the complexities of alternative asset investments within regulatory guidelines.
