SpaceX is not a company that investors can buy on a stock exchange. It is not listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) or the Nasdaq. SpaceX is not a publicly-traded company; instead, it is a privately held company. Hence, an investor cannot buy or sell SpaceX stock on an exchange.
Since the company is privately owned, it is not easy for a retail investor to own a piece of SpaceX. Most investors in SpaceX are institutional or high-net-worth investors. However, if a retail investor cannot directly buy SpaceX stock on an exchange, then the question remains of how to buy SpaceX stock.
SpaceX is an aerospace company designing and building rockets and communication satellites. It was founded in 2002 initially as Space Exploration Technologies Corp. Elon Musk is the founder, chief executive officer (CEO), and chief engineer of SpaceX.
The main product is the reusable Falcon 9 rocket. These rockets provide lower-cost launch services for satellites weighing up to 440 pounds (200 kilograms). Other platforms include the Falcon Heavy, the Dragon spacecraft, and the autonomous spaceport drone ships (ASDS).
SpaceX is also developing a deep space transport called Starship. A prototype is awaiting Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval for an orbital test.
In addition, SpaceX is developing the Starlink project. This project will provide broadband service around the world from low-orbit satellites. SpaceX has launched 1,000+ satellites for Starlink and started a beta service in North America and the UK.
Despite the hopes of many retail investors, SpaceX will probably not have an initial public offering (IPO) anytime soon. Unfortunately, this fact means small investors cannot buy or sell shares on a stock exchange. There are two reasons for this point.
First, Elon Musk is reportedly hesitant about the idea of SpaceX going public. Since he is the founder and CEO, it will probably not happen. The reason is SpaceX’s long-term goal is to colonize Mars. However, investors may want shorter-term stock returns instead.
In addition, SpaceX has had little difficulty raising private capital, making an IPO less needed. According to Crunchbase, since 2002, the company has raised approximately $7.7 billion in private capital.