Rumors that SpaceX will conduct its initial public offering (IPO) in 2026 have finally been confirmed by Elon Musk himself, who stated on the X platform that the reports are "accurate." The space technology giant could potentially be valued at as much as $800 billion, with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) technology and the potential of space data centers considered core drivers of the IPO.
Musk: Ars Technica's report is "accurate".
An in-depth report by Ars Technica journalist Eric Berger points out that the rise of AI technology and the opportunity to build data centers in space are the main reasons why SpaceX chose to go public in 2026. Musk then retweeted the article and responded on his social media platform X: "As always, Eric is accurate."
SpaceX's valuation may reach $800 billion.
Prior to Musk's remarks, The Information and The Wall Street Journal had already reported that SpaceX intended to IPO in 2026 and planned a new share sale to bring the company's valuation to a staggering $800 billion.
According to a Bloomberg report this week, SpaceX's IPO plans are progressing rapidly, with a target fundraising amount of up to $30 billion, attracting strong market attention.
Musk countered: NASA is not the main financial backer; Starlink is the cash cow.
Despite SpaceX's close collaboration with NASA, Musk clarified on social media that SpaceX does not rely on NASA subsidies. He stated, "While I like NASA, their contribution next year will be less than 5% of our revenue." He emphasized, "The commercial version of Starlink is our largest source of revenue."
Musk also refuted the claim that SpaceX receives subsidies from NASA, stating, "That's absolutely wrong."
NASA top brass shakes: Musk unhappy with acting administrator's criticism of Artemis project delays
Musk recently clashed with NASA's acting administrator, Sean Duffy. Duffy criticized SpaceX for lagging behind in its Artemis lunar landing program, which angered Musk, who directly criticized it on SpaceX, saying, "He wants to kill NASA!"
Interestingly, SpaceX's government support may be further escalated. Jared Isaacman, an entrepreneur who traveled on SpaceX's private space missions in 2021 and 2024, is currently a leading candidate for NASA administrator.
Isaacman's nomination was actually withdrawn during the Trump administration, when Trump believed his relationship with Musk might constitute a "conflict of interest." However, in early November 2025 , Isaacman was re-nominated, indicating a repair in the relationship between Musk and Trump.
This article, first published on ABMedia , states that Musk confirms SpaceX will go public as early as 2026, with AI and space data centers being key technologies .
