SpaceX has unveiled plans for a historic stock market debut that could become the largest initial public offering ever and push Elon Musk closer to becoming the world’s first trillionaire.

The aerospace and technology company founded by Elon Musk plans to raise $75 billion through an initial public offering, valuing the business at approximately $1.77 trillion. According to CNN, SpaceX intends to sell 555.6 million shares at $135 each, a move that would eclipse the previous IPO record set by Saudi Aramco, which raised $29.4 billion in 2019.

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The planned listing underscores both the growing commercialisation of space and the intense investor appetite for artificial intelligence driven businesses that has fuelled a surge in technology valuations across global markets.

According to filings submitted to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, Musk will retain roughly half of SpaceX’s shares after the offering. Through a special class of voting shares, he is expected to control more than 82 percent of the company’s voting power, ensuring he remains firmly in charge of the company after it goes public.

“This offering positions SpaceX to accelerate its long term investments in both space infrastructure and artificial intelligence,” the company said in regulatory filings cited by CNN.

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The proposed valuation reflects far more than SpaceX’s dominance in rocket launches and satellite deployment. Investors are increasingly placing a premium on the company’s artificial intelligence ambitions, particularly following its merger earlier this year with xAI, Musk’s AI venture that also owns the social media platform X.

Founded in 2002 as a rocket manufacturer, SpaceX has evolved into one of the most influential technology companies in the world. Its Starlink satellite internet network has expanded its business beyond space transportation, while its growing focus on AI and plans for data centres in space have become central to its future growth strategy.

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The company said proceeds from the offering will help fund major investments across its space exploration and AI operations, both of which require substantial capital spending.

“The IPO documents emphasise not only expanding humanity’s reach into space but also advancing artificial intelligence capabilities,” CNN reported.

The offering comes at a time when investors are pouring billions of dollars into AI related companies despite questions over how quickly many of them can generate sustainable profits. The excitement surrounding the technology has helped drive stock markets higher and produced soaring valuations for firms linked to the sector.

If SpaceX shares begin trading at the proposed price of $135, Musk’s stake in the company would be worth an estimated $841 billion. Combined with his holdings in electric vehicle maker Tesla, Inc., his net worth could exceed $1 trillion, placing him well ahead of other technology billionaires.

The planned flotation is also expected to intensify competition among major AI companies seeking access to public markets. According to CNN, AI firm Anthropic has already announced plans to go public, while industry leader OpenAI is widely expected to follow.

For Wall Street, the SpaceX listing represents more than a landmark financial event. It is a test of how much investors are willing to pay for a future built on artificial intelligence, private space exploration and the ambitions of one of the world’s most influential entrepreneurs.

The company is expected to begin trading next week, setting the stage for what could become one of the defining market events of the decade.

Faith Omoboye is a foreign affairs correspondent with background in History and International relations. Her work focuses on African politics, diplomacy, and global governance.

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