Elon Musk’s SpaceX is set to become one of the most valuable companies in the world with an anticipated valuation exceeding $1 trillion once it goes public. The firm, which has made strides in rocketry and satellite internet, plans to officially list its shares for trading later this year.

The move comes as SpaceX takes on a more significant role in Musk’s expanding technological empire, recently absorbing xAI, the artificial intelligence venture that includes chatbot Grok. This integration aims to streamline operations across his companies, making them more cost-effective and resource-efficient.

With its ambitious plans for space exploration, including launching data centers into orbit and building a Martian city, SpaceX needs substantial funding. Going public is seen as crucial for securing this capital while also raising $50 billion or more in the process.

Musk started SpaceX with a mission to reduce the cost of space launches through reusable rockets. Now, it operates Starlink satellites and contracts with NASA. However, the company’s long-term goals are ambitious and require significant investment, much of which could come from this IPO.

While SpaceX’s stock market debut signals rapid growth and potentially monumental financial power, it also raises questions about the scalability and feasibility of its interplanetary ambitions in reality.