SpaceX completed the largest initial public offering in history on June 12, 2026, raising approximately $75 billion [1].

The listing marks a pivotal shift for the aerospace company as it transitions from a private entity to a public one to fund ambitious interplanetary travel. By tapping public markets, the company aims to secure the massive capital required to move beyond Earth's orbit.

Shares were priced at $135 [1] before closing on the Nasdaq stock exchange at $161 [2]. This represents a roughly 19% overnight gain [3]. While some reports cited a closing price of $162 [4], the primary market data indicates the stock settled around the $161 mark [2].

Elon Musk said the goal of the listing is to fund travel to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. "We want to take you to the Moon, Mars and beyond," Musk said [1].

The surge in valuation has pushed Musk's personal wealth to a historic milestone. Following the debut, Musk's net worth reached $1 trillion [5], making him the first person to achieve that status [4].

Market analysts said there was intense investor enthusiasm during the first day of trading. Some observers said that the excitement surrounding the company's vision outweighed traditional valuation metrics, stating that "cooler heads are decidedly not prevailing" [6].

Despite the volatility of the debut, the capital injection provides SpaceX with a significant war chest. The company intends to use these funds to develop the infrastructure necessary to send ordinary people to other planets [1].

“"We want to take you to the Moon, Mars and beyond."”

This IPO transforms SpaceX from a venture-backed company into a public utility for space exploration. By raising $75 billion, the company has shifted the financial burden of Mars colonization from private equity and government contracts to the public market. This move not only cements Elon Musk's unprecedented financial influence but also ties the success of humanity's interplanetary goals to the performance of a publicly traded stock.