Sign In
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
New Delhi: Space travel may soon get a financial twist on Wall Street. Reports indicate that SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, is exploring an initial public offering (IPO) in 2026. The suggested valuation is a staggering USD 1.5 trillion, making it one of the largest listings ever eyed by a private firm.
According to Bloomberg, the plan could raise more than USD 30 billion. If things go as speculated, this IPO would rival the record-breaking offering by Saudi Aramco in 2019. Given the scale and global interest, the move has already stirred markets and analysts worldwide.
The listing is believed to target mid- to late 2026, though the timeline may shift if market conditions change. Some insiders say the IPO might even slide to 2027. For now the timeline is tentative.
Key details emerging include:
Investors reacted fast. On the news, shares of other space and satellite-related firms rose sharply. For example, EchoStar Corp. jumped up to 12 percent, while Rocket Lab gained 4.3 percent. That shows how even a rumour from SpaceX can ripple through the entire industry.
SpaceX has several growth engines working in its favour. The ongoing development of its super-heavy rocket, the Starship, aims to enable moon and Mars missions. Its satellite internet arm, Starlink, has expanded rapidly and may soon offer direct-to-mobile connectivity, a service many telecom firms worldwide crave.
Financial estimates for 2025 and 2026 range between USD 15 billion and USD 24 billion in revenue. If that holds up, the public markets could reward SpaceX handsomely. Some insiders say part of the IPO proceeds may fund space-based data centres, including hardware purchases, a move that hints at ambition beyond rockets and satellites.
Musk, on his social feed, reaffirmed that SpaceX has been cash-flow positive for years. He noted that the company carries out share buybacks twice a year to ensure liquidity for employees and private investors.
Nothing is locked yet. Market sentiment, global economic conditions or regulatory shifts could affect timing and valuation. A public listing means much greater scrutiny and transparency. Shareholders will expect regular financial reporting. For a firm used to private funding rounds and unleashed space ambitions, this will represent a major shift.
Still, if the IPO happens as planned, investors could expect one of the biggest public offerings of all time. A 5 percent share sale could bring in around USD 40 billion, far above nearly any IPO to date.
