SpaceX has long captivated media, investors, and the public with its reusable rocket launches, the rapid expansion of its Starlink satellite network, and, of course, its visionary founder and CEO, Elon Musk. But in its 24-year history, nothing compares to its historic initial public offering in 2026.
The sheer scale of the IPO drew global attention. SpaceX priced 555.6 million shares at $135 each, raising a record-breaking $75 billion and marking the largest IPO in history. The surge in demand pushed Musk to become the world’s first trillionaire.
TechCrunch has tracked SpaceX from its earliest struggles to its soaring successes. Now that the company is public, we bring you the essential updates and analysis. Below is your go-to landing page for all key SpaceX IPO news.
Market Debut: A Historic First Day
SpaceX shares opened on the Nasdaq on June 12, 2026, at $150—an 11% pop from the IPO price. By midday, shares had surged 30%, closing at $160.95, up 19% on the first day. Trading remained heavy; Robinhood reported “record-breaking traffic” on its platform in the hours following the debut.
What’s Next for SpaceX as a Public Company
On its first full day of trading, shares pushed even higher, reaching $186.15 by 2:30 pm ET—a more than 15% gain from the open. Analysts are watching closely as the company balances ambitious growth plans with public market expectations.
Key Developments Post-IPO
Shotwell Hints at Tesla Merger
SpaceX COO Gwynne Shotwell told CNBC on June 12 that a “merger between SpaceX and Tesla might make Elon’s life a little easier,” sparking renewed speculation about a potential combination of the two companies.
Bankers Reap Big Fees
Underwriting banks collectively earned about $500 million in fees, with Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley each taking in roughly $100 million, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Musk Celebrates Employees
Musk took to X (the social media platform he owns) to thank employees, writing, “I love the incredible people of SpaceX beyond words.” He also reposted a photo of SpaceX insiders wearing green shoes—a nod to the “green shoe option,” an IPO provision allowing underwriters to sell up to 15% more shares than originally planned if demand is strong.
For deeper analysis on the far-reaching implications of SpaceX becoming a publicly traded company, read more from TechCrunch’s Sean O’Kane.
via TechCrunch AI