Elon Musk's SpaceX is reportedly exploring two potential options: a merger with electric carmaker Tesla or a tie-up with artificial intelligence firm xAI. The move comes as Musk considers options to consolidate his global empire and could potentially value SpaceX at $1.5 trillion.
The rocket company is examining the feasibility of a partnership with Tesla, which could benefit from SpaceX's Starship rockets in carrying its Optimus robots to the moon and ultimately to Mars. Alternatively, a tie-up with xAI could provide SpaceX with access to advanced AI capabilities, which would be beneficial for Musk's ambitious plans for space-based datacentres.
Tesla is already pivoting away from its core electric car business, discontinuing production of the Model X SUV and Model S full-size sedan to focus on developing its Optimus robot. The company's recent earnings report showed slumping vehicle sales and declining revenue, with shares rising 4.5% in after-hours trading following Musk's announcement.
The potential flotation of SpaceX could raise up to $50 billion, making it the largest initial public offering (IPO) in history. As the biggest shareholder with a 42% stake, Musk controls almost 79% of the company's voting rights, but other backers including employees and private investors hold around 30%. A successful IPO would help fuel an "insane flight rate" for SpaceX's development of the Starship rocket and potentially pave the way for a base on the moon.
Musk has expressed interest in establishing a lunar base before the end of his second term as president, a goal that is also shared by former US President Donald Trump. With these developments, Musk's ambitious plans for space exploration and development are moving forward at a rapid pace.
The rocket company is examining the feasibility of a partnership with Tesla, which could benefit from SpaceX's Starship rockets in carrying its Optimus robots to the moon and ultimately to Mars. Alternatively, a tie-up with xAI could provide SpaceX with access to advanced AI capabilities, which would be beneficial for Musk's ambitious plans for space-based datacentres.
Tesla is already pivoting away from its core electric car business, discontinuing production of the Model X SUV and Model S full-size sedan to focus on developing its Optimus robot. The company's recent earnings report showed slumping vehicle sales and declining revenue, with shares rising 4.5% in after-hours trading following Musk's announcement.
The potential flotation of SpaceX could raise up to $50 billion, making it the largest initial public offering (IPO) in history. As the biggest shareholder with a 42% stake, Musk controls almost 79% of the company's voting rights, but other backers including employees and private investors hold around 30%. A successful IPO would help fuel an "insane flight rate" for SpaceX's development of the Starship rocket and potentially pave the way for a base on the moon.
Musk has expressed interest in establishing a lunar base before the end of his second term as president, a goal that is also shared by former US President Donald Trump. With these developments, Musk's ambitious plans for space exploration and development are moving forward at a rapid pace.
I'm not sure about this one... seems like a lot of pressure on Elon Musk to get everything just right 
. One minute it's Tesla, the next xAI - which is gonna be his real breadwinner 
? Can't help but wonder how he's gonna balance all these plates 
and keep SpaceX from getting too scattered 
. Don't wanna see a Starship fiasco 
! But at the same time, 50 billion bucks for an IPO? That's crazy 
...
and can u imagine having optimus robots on the moon 
and then going to mars 
i mean, we already knew musk was ambitious but wow 
. and think about how much of an impact this could have on reducing carbon emissions in space travel...Tesla and xAI joining forces would be a game-changer for sustainable tech 
. but at the same time, I'm also kinda worried about Elon's control over all these projects - like, is he really prioritizing worker well-being over profit? 
still super stoked to see progress on lunar bases tho...who knows what kind of amazing discoveries we'll make in space 
. And what about the employees and investors who have less of a stake in it? Do they get left behind or is this just a big opportunity for them to cash out 
But then again, having xAI on board would give them some serious AI firepower 
... meanwhile, Musk's goal of a lunar base is getting crazy close 
... wonder what's gonna happen with these IPO plans and who's gonna get a cut of that $50 billion 
. Can you imagine having Optimus robots on Mars? Mind blown, dude! 
The potential IPO of $50 billion is insane - it's gonna fuel that Starship rocket development like never before 
. And a lunar base by 2028? That's like, the ultimate goal 
.
, ppl already know they're struggling to make ends meet 
and i guess having a base on the moon wouldn't hurt either, even if trump had a similar goal back in the day 
but hey, progress is progress, right? 
I'm not sure about this whole $1.5 trillion valuation thing...like, isn't SpaceX already losing a ton of money on its Starship program? 