SpaceX, officially known as Space Exploration Technologies Corp., has become one of the most talked-about companies in the aerospace and technology industries. Founded in 2002 by Elon Musk, the company has revolutionized space travel, launching reusable rockets, delivering satellites, and working toward colonizing Mars. With so much innovation and media buzz, it’s no surprise that investors worldwide are asking a burning question: “Can I buy SpaceX stock?”
In this article, we’ll explore the status of SpaceX stock, whether it’s available for public trading, its valuation, how investors can gain exposure, and what the future might hold for this trailblazing company.
Is SpaceX Publicly Traded?
That means its shares are not traded on public stock exchanges like the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) or NASDAQ. Elon Musk has repeatedly said that SpaceX is not ready to go public and won’t do so until the company has achieved regular missions to Mars—a milestone still years away.
Because of its private status, retail investors cannot directly buy SpaceX stock. Instead, ownership is limited to a select group of early investors, venture capitalists, and company insiders.
Why Isn’t SpaceX Stock Public Yet?
There are several reasons why SpaceX remains a private company:
- Long-Term Vision: Elon Musk has often said that public markets tend to focus on short-term profits, while SpaceX is focused on long-term goals like building a self-sustaining city on Mars.
- Volatility of Space Industry: Space missions come with high risks, including launch failures and regulatory hurdles. Being a public company would subject SpaceX to stock market swings every time something goes wrong.
- Control: Musk prefers to retain control over the company’s direction, something that becomes more complicated with public shareholders.
How Much is SpaceX Worth?
As of recent private funding rounds, SpaceX’s valuation is estimated to be around $180 billion, making it one of the most valuable private companies in the world. This valuation reflects investor confidence in SpaceX’s various revenue streams:
- Commercial satellite launches (like Starlink)
- The government contracts with NASA and the U.S. military
What is Starlink, and How Does it affect SpaceX Stock?
Starlink is a subsidiary of SpaceX focused on delivering high-speed internet across the globe using a network of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. With over 6,000 satellites already in orbit and millions of customers worldwide, Starlink has quickly become a major revenue driver for SpaceX.
There are rumors that Starlink could go public separately, giving investors an indirect way to gain exposure to SpaceX stock. If that happens, it would likely be one of the biggest IPOs of the decade.
Can You Invest in SpaceX Stock Indirectly?
Although you can’t buy SpaceX stock directly, there are a few indirect ways investors can gain exposure to its growth:
- Invest in Companies that Hold SpaceX Shares: Some investment firms, such as Fidelity or Baillie Gifford, have been involved in SpaceX’s private funding rounds. Buying shares in these firms gives you partial, indirect exposure.
- Invest in Tesla (TSLA): While Tesla and SpaceX are separate companies, both are led by Elon Musk. Many investors believe that advancements in one company can positively influence the other. However, note that Tesla does not own SpaceX stock.
- If SpaceX or Starlink goes public, be ready to participate in the IPO.
- Private Equity Platforms (For Accredited Investors): Some private equity marketplaces, like Forge Global or EquityZen, offer pre-IPO shares of companies like SpaceX, but these are generally limited to accredited investors and often come with high fees and risks.
Is SpaceX Stock a Good Investment (Hypothetically)?
If SpaceX were to go public, it would likely be a highly sought-after stock. Here’s why:
Pros:
- First-mover advantage in space technology.
- Diversified revenue streams (Starlink, satellite launches, government contracts).
- Strong leadership under Elon Musk.
- Growing global demand for satellite-based internet.
Cons:
- High capital expenditures.
- Regulatory and technical risks.
- Long path to profitability for projects like Mars colonization.
- Dependence on a single visionary leader.
Investors would need to consider whether they believe in the long-term vision and whether they can tolerate high volatility and uncertainty.
What Would a SpaceX IPO Look Like?
A SpaceX IPO would likely be historic. Experts predict it could raise $50 billion or more, rivaling or exceeding the IPOs of tech giants like Facebook and Alibaba. It would attract institutional investors, retail traders, and space enthusiasts alike.
The IPO would also open up public scrutiny, SEC filings, and quarterly earnings reports, something Elon Musk may want to avoid unless necessary.
Future of SpaceX Stock
Looking ahead, there are a few scenarios that could unfold:
- SpaceX remains private, with periodic funding rounds from institutional investors.
- Starlink IPOs first, offering a more accessible route for public investors.
- Partial IPO, where only a segment of SpaceX is floated while Musk retains control.
- Full IPO after Mars milestone, as Musk has hinted.
Until then, the SpaceX stock discussion remains mostly speculative, but it’s rooted in one of the most exciting business stories of our time.
Final Thoughts
SpaceX stock remains one of the most intriguing opportunities in modern investing. While it’s not currently available on the public markets, the company’s influence on aerospace, communications, and future technology is undeniable. Whether you’re an investor, a space enthusiast, or simply curious about the next big thing, keeping SpaceX on your radar is a smart move. When—or if—the stock does become available, it could redefine the landscape of space investing forever.
