SpaceX may go public. What that means for Elon Musk's rocket company

Core Insights - SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk in 2002, has established itself as a leading commercial spaceflight company, playing a crucial role in both private space ventures and national space ambitions [1][5] - The company is reportedly planning to go public in mid- to late 2026, following recent shareholder approvals at Tesla, which could position Musk as the world's first trillionaire [2] Company Overview - SpaceX is recognized for its Falcon 9 rocket, the most active rocket globally, which is utilized for various missions, including launching Starlink internet satellites [6] - The company has a significant revenue stream from contracts with the Department of Defense for launching classified satellites and supports NASA's human spaceflight missions to the International Space Station [7] Location and Operations - SpaceX is headquartered at Starbase in South Texas, where it conducts tests and launches of its Starship spacecraft, a 400-foot megarocket [9][10] - The Starship program has faced challenges, including explosive failures earlier in 2025, but recent test flights have shown progress and potential for future success [10]