Musk backs new reporting on public offering plans
Elon Musk has confirmed that a new wave of reporting about SpaceX’s intention to go public in 2026 is broadly correct. His response came after an analysis by Ars Technica’s Eric Berger, which argued that advances in artificial intelligence and the rising demand for space-based data infrastructure make this an opportune moment for the company to list its shares. Musk replied on X that Berger’s assessment was “accurate,” lending rare public support to speculation around SpaceX’s long-term financial strategy.
The remark follows several reports indicating that SpaceX is evaluating an offering within two years. Outlets including The Information, the Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg have reported active preparations for an IPO, along with discussions of a share sale that could assign the company a valuation in the hundreds of billions.
Clarifications on valuation and revenue sources
Despite acknowledging the timing analysis, Musk pushed back against claims that SpaceX is currently valued around $800 billion, calling those figures incorrect. He also rejected suggestions that NASA significantly underpins SpaceX’s finances. According to Musk, contracts with NASA will account for less than five percent of the company’s revenue next year, while commercial Starlink services remain the primary growth engine.
He addressed another recurring criticism, insisting that SpaceX is not “subsidized” by NASA and that its commercial business is now the center of its financial model.
NASA leadership shift and implications for SpaceX
The political backdrop for SpaceX is also shifting as 2026 approaches. Jared Isaacman – a private astronaut who funded and commanded two SpaceX missions – cleared a key Senate committee vote and is positioned to become the next NASA administrator, pending full Senate approval.
Acting administrator Sean Duffy, who has publicly criticized delays in the Artemis lunar program, has had a tense relationship with Musk. Musk has openly accused Duffy of undermining NASA’s mission, highlighting the strained dynamic since Duffy temporarily assumed leadership earlier this year.
Isaacman’s re-nomination and Musk’s recent appearance at a White House dinner hosted by President Donald Trump suggest that political relations between Musk and the administration have recently improved.
A pivotal period ahead
With Starlink scaling globally, commercial launches accelerating and new political alignment emerging in Washington, SpaceX enters 2026 with significant momentum. Confirmation of an IPO would represent one of the most anticipated market debuts in years and reshape the landscape for space, satellite and communications investors.
