Musk Signals Possible SpaceX IPO, Sending Market Attention Toward Space Sector

Elon Musk on Wednesday signaled that plans for a public offering by SpaceX may be real, replying to a social media post by Ars Technica space journalist Eric Berger that linked to Berger's article titled "Here's why I think SpaceX is going public soon," with the comment "As usual, Eric is accurate,". The brief exchange came after Reuters and other outlets reported that SpaceX is exploring a 2026 initial public offering that could raise more than $25 billion and value the rocket maker at more than $1 trillion.

The reports said SpaceX has begun discussions with banks about a possible launch of the offering around June or July of next year. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment following the social media exchange and subsequent coverage.

If the reported fundraising and valuation hold, the IPO would rank among the largest in history, trailing only Saudi Aramco's $1.7 trillion listing in 2019. SpaceX currently stands as the world's second most valuable private startup after OpenAI, according to Crunchbase data cited in reports, a position that underscores the scale of market interest in its technology and prospects.

A public listing would mark a major shift for SpaceX, which has remained privately held while expanding a broad mix of businesses that range from launch services and satellite internet to government contracts. Going public would open the company to a far wider investor base and subject it to public reporting requirements that could expose more of its financials, contractual relationships and strategic plans to scrutiny.

Market observers say an IPO could provide SpaceX with access to capital at a scale that supports ambitious projects and infrastructure expansion, including satellite deployments and reusable launch development. It could also create a liquid market for shares held by employees and private investors, effectively monetizing stakes that have accumulated value over years of rapid growth.

The possibility of a public listing also raises questions about regulatory oversight, national security considerations and the balance between commercial and government work in an industry that supports critical communications and defense capabilities. Those issues have featured in policy discussions about space industry consolidation and the role of private firms in national programs.

For investors and competitors, a SpaceX IPO at the reported scale would alter valuations and expectations across the aerospace sector, potentially accelerating consolidation and public market entries by related companies. For the broader public markets, it would introduce a company with a long technology development arc and capital intensive needs into a landscape focused on quarterly performance and risk management.

Musk's brief confirmation offers no timeline or details about structure, ownership or the exact uses of proceeds, and Reuters noted that discussions with banks were in early stages. The hint nevertheless intensified scrutiny of one of the most valuable private companies in the world and set expectations for a pivotal move in the commercial space industry.