SpaceX Stock Split Ignites Record IPO Expectations, Space Sector Opens Higher Across the Board

TradingKey - During the week of May 18 ET, SpaceX will initiate a 5-for-1 stock split, clearing high-price hurdles for what could be the largest IPO in history. Boosted by this, U.S. commercial space stocks surged at Monday's open.

Rocket Lab ( RKLB) shares jumped as much as 11% to hit a record high. The company is the world's leading provider of regular launch services after SpaceX and also offers satellite manufacturing; Intuitive Machines ( LUNR) saw early gains of up to 13%. It is the world's first commercial firm to achieve a soft lunar landing, specializing in lunar infrastructure and data services. Redwire ( RDW) gained as much as 13.08% intraday; AST SpaceMobile ( ASTS) saw an intraday peak gain of 7.52%.

[Source: TradingKey]

According to several people familiar with the matter, SpaceX has significantly accelerated its listing process, planning to release its prospectus as early as May 20 and officially debut on the Nasdaq on June 12 under the ticker "SPCX."

The IPO is expected to raise as much as $75 billion to $80 billion, with a total valuation target between $1.75 trillion and $2 trillion. If successful, it would far exceed the record of approximately $29.4 billion set by Saudi Aramco in 2019.

Musk explicitly stated on the X platform that he "will not sell any stock" and emphasized the need to ensure SpaceX focuses on making life multi-planetary. SpaceX employs a dual-class share structure, with Musk maintaining absolute control through Class B shares.

The approaching SpaceX IPO is triggering a chain reaction across the commercial space sector. Over the past month, Rocket Lab has surged 54.67% and Intuitive Machines is up 21.79%. In the "Space 60" list compiled by Morgan Stanley ( MS ), about 24 stocks have doubled year-to-date. Analysts believe that ahead of SpaceX's official listing, the market is seeking proxy exposure, viewing the company as the pricing benchmark for the entire commercial space sector.

On the eve of the IPO, SpaceX also faces a critical test, with plans to launch an upgraded Starship V3 mega-rocket from its Starbase in Texas at 5:30 p.m. CT on May 20. The outcome of the test flight will directly influence market sentiment regarding SpaceX's technical capabilities.

SpaceX has currently completed the confidential filing process for its listing, though the final timing, amount raised, and valuation may still be adjusted based on market conditions.

The market is closely watching the upcoming S-1 registration statement to gain deeper financial insights into the company, which integrates rocket launches, satellite internet, and AI businesses.