How to Invest in SpaceX Stock in 2025: IPO, Shares & Best Alternatives
SpaceX, founded by visionary entrepreneur Elon Musk in 2002, has redefined the space industry with its ambitious goals of reducing space transportation costs and enabling humanity to colonize Mars. As of early 2025, SpaceX is valued at an impressive $350 billion, making it one of the world’s most valuable private companies. Known for milestones like being the first private company to launch a liquid-propellant rocket into orbit, send astronauts to the International Space Station, and achieve a vertical propulsive landing, SpaceX continues to innovate with its Falcon rockets, Dragon spacecraft, and the revolutionary Starship program.
Beyond exploration, SpaceX is a leader in space tourism and satellite internet through its Starlink initiative, which aims to provide global high-speed internet via thousands of low Earth orbit satellites. With contracts from NASA, a growing commercial launch business, and the potential for space tourism, SpaceX’s market potential is immense. However, as a private company, investing in SpaceX stock presents unique challenges and opportunities. This guide explores how to invest in SpaceX in 2025, addressing whether it’s publicly traded, the likelihood of an IPO, how to buy its stock, relevant ETFs, whether you should invest, its profitability, valuation, and more.
Is SpaceX Publicly Traded?
As of 2025, SpaceX is not publicly traded and is not listed on major stock exchanges like the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) or Nasdaq. This means retail investors cannot purchase SpaceX shares through standard brokerage accounts. Elon Musk, who owns over 40% of the company, along with employees and venture capital investors, holds the outstanding shares. The company maintains an internal trading program, allowing insiders to sell shares at prices like $185 per share in late 2024, providing liquidity without the need for a public offering.
Will SpaceX IPO?
There are no confirmed plans for a SpaceX IPO in 2025. Elon Musk has stated that the company doesn’t require additional capital for its investment programs, reducing the need for an IPO. The internal trading program further diminishes the urgency for going public by allowing employees and existing investors to liquidate shares. Musk has also expressed concerns about the distractions of public company obligations, such as quarterly earnings reports. While speculation persists about a potential Starlink IPO to capitalize on its growing revenue, Musk has emphasized that Starlink needs consistent cash flow and revenue stability before considering a public offering. Investors hoping for a SpaceX or Starlink IPO must remain patient, as no timeline has been set.
How to Buy SpaceX Stock
Since SpaceX is not publicly traded, retail investors face barriers to purchasing its stock directly. However, there are several ways to gain exposure to SpaceX in 2025:
1. Private Equity and Secondary Markets
Accredited investors—individuals with a net worth of $1 million or more (excluding their primary residence) or high annual income—can access SpaceX shares through private equity or secondary markets. Platforms like Rainmaker Securities facilitate transactions of private company shares, but these are exclusive and often illiquid, meaning shares may be hard to buy or sell quickly. Venture capital firms or private equity funds that hold SpaceX shares may also offer opportunities, though access is typically limited to high-net-worth individuals or institutions.
2. Funds with SpaceX Exposure
For non-accredited investors, investing in funds that hold SpaceX shares is a viable alternative. The ARK Venture Fund (ARKVX), a public venture capital fund, includes SpaceX among its holdings of pre-IPO companies. This fund allows retail investors to gain indirect exposure to SpaceX’s growth without needing to meet accreditation requirements.
3. Space-Related Stocks
Investing in publicly traded companies in the space sector is another way to tap into the industry SpaceX dominates. Notable options include:
- Rocket Lab USA (RKLB): A company offering launch services and spacecraft manufacturing, known for its Electron rocket and upcoming Neutron vehicle.
- L3Harris Technologies (LHX): A defense contractor providing space solutions like satellite technology and rocket motors.
- Virgin Galactic Holdings (SPCE): Focused on space tourism, it aims to launch commercial spaceflights by 2026.
4. Wait for an IPO
The most straightforward option for retail investors is to wait for a potential SpaceX IPO or Starlink IPO. While not imminent, a public offering would allow investors to buy shares directly through brokerage accounts.
ETFs with Exposure to the Space Industry
While no ETFs directly hold SpaceX stock due to its private status, several space-focused ETFs provide exposure to companies in the same markets. These include:
- ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX): Actively managed by Cathie Wood, this ETF has a 0.75% expense ratio and approximately $285 million in assets under management (AUM) as of early 2025. It holds Rocket Lab (9% of assets) and L3Harris Technologies (3.7%) among its top holdings, with 35–55 stocks focused on space exploration and innovation.
- Procure Space ETF (UFO): With a 0.75% expense ratio and ~$50 million AUM, this ETF includes 35 holdings, with Rocket Lab as its second-largest holding (5.3%).
- SPDR S&P Kensho Final Frontiers ETF (ROKT): A passively managed fund with a 0.45% expense ratio and ~$20 million AUM, holding about 30 stocks, including Rocket Lab (4.2%).
These ETFs offer diversified exposure to the space sector, making them a practical choice for investors seeking indirect access to SpaceX’s market.
Should I Invest in SpaceX?
Deciding whether to invest in SpaceX requires careful consideration of its profitability, valuation, and inherent risks versus opportunities. If SpaceX goes public or shares become available through secondary markets, here are key factors to evaluate:
Opportunities
- Starlink Growth: Starlink’s satellite internet service is expanding rapidly, with thousands of satellites already launched. Its potential to provide global internet access could generate significant revenue, boosting SpaceX’s value.
- Starship Program: The Starship, designed for Mars missions and deep space exploration, could revolutionize the industry if successful, creating new revenue streams.
- Space Tourism: SpaceX’s advancements in space tourism, particularly through Starship, position it to capitalize on a burgeoning market expected to grow significantly.
- NASA Contracts: SpaceX’s partnerships with NASA for crewed missions and cargo deliveries provide stable revenue and credibility.
Risks
- High Valuation: At $350 billion, SpaceX’s valuation implies a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of ~70 based on projected 2024 profits, which is expensive compared to other high-growth stocks.
- Limited Transparency: As a private company, SpaceX isn’t required to disclose detailed financials, making it harder to assess its health.
- Industry Volatility: The space sector is inherently risky, with technical challenges, regulatory hurdles, and market fluctuations.
- Illiquidity: Shares purchased through private equity or secondary markets are difficult to sell, potentially locking up capital for years.
Investors with high risk tolerance and a long-term perspective may find SpaceX appealing, but those seeking liquidity or lower risk may prefer alternatives like ETFs or space-related stocks. Investing in space exploration is not risk-free, and understanding these risks requires the use of modern risk management tools and software for better analysis and mitigation.
Is SpaceX Profitable?
Yes, SpaceX is profitable. In 2023, the company reported a $3 billion profit on $9 billion in revenue, a significant improvement from a $501 million net loss on $1.5 billion revenue in 2019. Projections for 2024 estimate $4.5 billion in profit on $13 billion in revenue, driven by commercial launches, Starlink expansion, and NASA contracts. This profitability underscores SpaceX’s ability to generate cash flow, fueling optimism about its growth potential.
SpaceX’s Valuation
SpaceX’s valuation in early 2025 stands at $350 billion, based on a secondary share sale at $185 per share—a 67% increase from its previous $210 billion valuation. This translates to a forward P/E ratio of approximately 70, based on projected 2024 earnings of $4.5 billion. While this valuation is high compared to defense contractors like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman, SpaceX’s rapid revenue growth and innovative projects like Starlink and Starship suggest it could grow into its valuation over time. However, investors should be cautious of overpaying, as a high valuation could limit short-term returns.
The Bottom Line
Investing in SpaceX in 2025 is challenging due to its status as a private company, with no shares available on public exchanges. Accredited investors can explore private equity or secondary markets like Rainmaker Securities, while retail investors can consider funds like the ARK Venture Fund (ARKVX) or space-focused ETFs such as ARKX, UFO, or ROKT. SpaceX’s profitability ($3 billion in 2023, projected $4.5 billion in 2024) and $350 billion valuation highlight its growth potential, driven by Starlink, space tourism, and the Starship program. However, risks like high valuation, limited liquidity, and industry volatility require careful consideration. One reason is the company’s rapid growth and massive R&D expenses, which translate to a high cash burn rate not typically favored by public markets.
For those eager to invest, staying informed about a potential SpaceX IPO or Starlink IPO is crucial. Until then, indirect investments through related stocks or ETFs offer a practical way to gain exposure to the space industry’s growth. Always conduct thorough research and assess your risk tolerance before investing.
