SpaceX Files for Record $1.75 Trillion IPO

SpaceX is expected to file its official IPO prospectus this week as the company seeks to raise what could become the largest stock market debut in history at a valuation of $1.75 trillion, according to sources cited by Reuters. The filing, known as an S-1, will be submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission and marks a pivotal moment for the rocket and AI company owned by Elon Musk. The prospectus release coincides with SpaceX's twelfth Starship test flight, a heavily scrutinized launch that investors will be closely watching given the enormous scale of the planned IPO. The timing of the IPO hinges significantly on Starship's performance. Musk has staked SpaceX's entire future on the massive rocket, which is central to his visions for deploying one million orbital AI data centers and establishing a self-sustaining city on the Moon. Starship is also contracted as the lunar lander for NASA's Artemis 4 mission in 2028. However, current prototypes have only carried 35-ton payloads, falling far short of the 100-metric-ton capacity needed for Musk's ambitious plans, and the rocket has never achieved full reusability, a critical requirement for cost-effective orbital operations at scale. 2026 is shaping up to be a historic year for public offerings, with roughly $70 billion already raised through IPOs last year. Beyond SpaceX, AI companies OpenAI and Anthropic are also reportedly preparing stock market debuts. The IPO process typically involves choosing a listing venue like the New York Stock Exchange or Nasdaq, selecting a ticker symbol, filing detailed financial documentation with the SEC, conducting investor roadshows, and settling on an opening share price that balances fundraising goals with aftermarket demand.