SpaceX Is Going Public — But Can It Steer Clear of the IPO Graveyard?

TLDR

• SpaceX is preparing for an IPO that could see the company valued at as much as $1.5 trillion.
• Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, reportedly generated $11.8 billion in revenue in 2025.
• SpaceX recently acquired xAI, Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company.
• Many companies that went public in 2021 have seen their valuations drop by 70–80%, raising concerns about investor confidence.
• Currently, individual investors can only gain exposure to SpaceX through investment funds like ARKVX.

(SeaPRwire) –   SpaceX is moving forward with plans for a public offering, which could position it as one of the most highly valued companies ever to list on a U.S. stock exchange. The company’s current valuation is estimated at up to $1.5 trillion, making it the world’s most valuable private entity.

Breaking: SpaceX boosted its target IPO valuation above $2 trillion as the world’s most valuable startup gears up to pitch potentially the biggest-ever market debut https://t.co/FTiCNAa3pe

— Bloomberg (@business) April 2, 2026

Founded by Elon Musk in 2002, SpaceX’s initial ambition was to facilitate the colonization of Mars. Over time, the company has evolved into a leading player in rocket launches, satellite internet, and now, artificial intelligence.

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket is recognized as the most cost-effective and dependable rocket globally, having completed over 633 launches. The company’s Starship spacecraft is designed for full reusability and is intended for transporting both crew and cargo to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, is estimated to have generated $11.8 billion in revenue in 2025, representing one of the company’s most significant and stable revenue streams.

Earlier this year, SpaceX acquired xAI, Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence venture. Musk has indicated that large-scale AI data centers could be powered by harvested solar energy from space, viewing the integration of these two companies as a logical progression.

The IPO Risk Factor

SpaceX’s IPO intentions emerge at a challenging juncture for the market. The surge in IPOs experienced in 2021 proved detrimental for many investors.

Companies such as Allbirds, which once commanded a valuation of $2.2 billion, are now being acquired for approximately $39 million. BuzzFeed’s market capitalization has fallen from over $1 billion to around $23 million. Stocks like UiPath, GitLab, and Warby Parker continue to trade at prices 70–80% below their initial IPO values.

These substantial losses have led to increased investor caution. SpaceX will need to demonstrate its ability to deliver tangible returns, moving beyond mere speculative interest.

In contrast to many companies from the 2021 cohort, SpaceX operates as a scaled business with established revenue streams. However, analysts suggest that the threshold for investor trust is now considerably higher following years of underperforming IPOs.

Currently, retail investors cannot directly purchase SpaceX shares. The only available avenues for indirect investment are through funds such as the ARK Venture Fund and the XOVR ETF, which hold minor stakes in the company.

Space Stocks Available Now

For investors seeking exposure to the space sector, several space-related stocks are already available on the public market.

Rocket Lab has successfully launched 252 satellites and is in the process of developing a new generation rocket named Neuron. Intuitive Machines, a partner of NASA, provided infrastructure utilized in the recent Artemis 2 lunar mission.

AST SpaceMobile directly competes with Starlink in the satellite internet market and has secured partnerships with major telecommunications companies like AT&T and Verizon.

On the day of this report, Intuitive Machines’ stock saw an increase of 18.53%. AST SpaceMobile’s stock rose by 10.28%, and Rocket Lab experienced a gain of 3.27%.