Tech mogul Elon Musk over the weekend clarified reports that SpaceX is seeking an $800 billion valuation ahead of a potential initial public offering (IPO) in the second half of 2026.
The comments follow a report by the Wall Street Journal that CFO Bret Johnsen recently told investors about a secondary share sale valuing SpaceX at $800 billion. Executives have also said the company is weighing a potential IPO next year, according to unnamed sources.
If accurate, the $800 billion valuation would double the $400 billion value SpaceX reached after a secondary sale earlier this summer. However, Musk quickly dismissed the financing claims, writing on social media:
“There has been a lot of press claiming SpaceX is raising money at $800 [billion], which is not accurate. SpaceX has been cash flow positive for many years and does periodic stock buybacks twice a year to provide liquidity for employees and investors.”
Musk added that the company’s valuation reflects progress with Starship, Starlink, and securing global direct-to-sell spectrum, which significantly expands SpaceX’s addressable market.
While Musk did not confirm the IPO rumors, SpaceX executives are reportedly considering a public listing for the entire company, including its Starlink satellite internet service. Musk previously said that Starlink may IPO in the future once revenue growth stabilizes.
Rival Implications and Market Impact
Analysts at William Blair noted that SpaceX’s valuation headlines could have positive ripple effects for competitors like AST SpaceMobile (ASTS), a provider of satellite-to-cell solutions. AST has secured numerous deals with tier-1 mobile carriers, and SpaceX’s recent spectrum agreements with EchoStar—potentially worth $33 billion at an $800 billion valuation—could strengthen the value of AST’s spectrum assets.
Other mobile satellite companies have also seen market movement:
- ViaSat (VSAT) stock rose 1.2%, up 310% in 2025
- Globalstar (GSAT) gained 1.5%, marking five straight daily gains, up 120% YTD
- Iridium (IRDM) slipped 0.5%, down 39% for the year
Meanwhile, ASTS stock trimmed early losses of 3% after surging 250% earlier in 2025.
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