SpaceX is accelerating its plan for an initial public offering (IPO), with insiders indicating that if this financing is successful, it will become the largest IPO in history.

Target to go public by the end of 2026, timeline may still change.

According to Bloomberg reports, the company led by Musk is targeting a total valuation of $1.5 trillion. If SpaceX sells 5% of its shares in the IPO at a $1.5 trillion valuation, it will need to sell $40 billion worth of stock, a figure that far exceeds Saudi Aramco's IPO amount of about $29 billion in 2019, making it the largest IPO in history. In contrast, Saudi Aramco only sold 1.5% of its shares at that time, which is much lower than the shareholding ratio typically released by public companies.

Several sources revealed that SpaceX's management and advisors are seeking to complete the listing as early as mid to late 2026. However, the schedule may be adjusted due to market conditions or other factors, with one person even suggesting that the plan could be delayed until 2027.

SpaceX's IPO news has also driven other space concept stocks higher. EchoStar (which previously agreed to sell spectrum rights to SpaceX) saw its stock price rise by 12%, reaching a new intraday high; space transportation company Rocket Lab's stock price also rose by 4.3%.

Starlink's growth is impressive

Last week, several media outlets reported that SpaceX is considering starting its IPO as early as the end of next year. Sources say that as the latest round of internal stock sales is about to be finalized, Musk and the board have recently intensified planning for the listing and fundraising, including hiring for key positions and planning for the use of funds.

SpaceX is accelerating its listing process, partly due to its rapidly growing Starlink satellite network service, including the upcoming commercial model of 'satellite direct connection to mobile phones,' as well as the ongoing development of its Starship lunar and Mars launch vehicles.

One source noted that SpaceX's revenue is expected to reach $15 billion in 2025, and may increase to $22 billion to $24 billion in 2026, with most of the revenue coming from Starlink.

Funds raised from the IPO will be invested in the 'space data center'

Two informed sources stated that SpaceX plans to use part of the funds raised from the IPO for building a space data center, including the purchase of computing chips. Musk recently discussed this idea at an event with Baron Capital.

In the current secondary market, SpaceX has set the price per share at approximately $420, valuing the company at over the previously reported $800 billion. Sources say that employees can sell about $2 billion worth of stock, and SpaceX will also repurchase some shares. One person pointed out that this valuation strategy aims to calibrate the company's 'fair market valuation' before the IPO.

Musk stated on December 6th on the X platform:

'SpaceX has maintained positive cash flow for many years and conducts stock buybacks twice a year to provide liquidity for employees and investors. The valuation growth reflects the progress of Starship and Starlink, as well as obtaining global direct connection mobile spectrum, which will significantly expand the company's addressable market.'

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