The massive rocket booster, having blasted Starship towards space, fell back to Earth. Seven minutes after launch, its engines reignited, slowing its descent. With pinpoint precision, it guided itself into the waiting clasp of Mechazilla—the “chopsticks”—a feat never before achieved. In the SpaceX control room, cheers and high-fives erupted. Elon Musk told his millions of social media followers that this was a “big step towards making life multiplanetary.”
The launch itself, at 07:25 am on 13 October 2024 at Starbase near Boca Chica, Texas, had already been spectacular. But the landing was the milestone. For SpaceX, this reusability slashes the cost of launching to orbit, the Moon, and eventually Mars.
“SpaceX's successful booster catch by Mechazilla precedes its stock market debut, potentially making Elon Musk the world's first trillionaire.”
Yet for investors, the launch is not the main event. On 12 June, trading will begin in shares of a company previously owned only by Musk and a select group of rich private institutions. UK stockbrokers have reported “a surge” in interest from retail investors hoping to buy in. Simon Belsham, Chief Client Officer at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: “While we recognise this IPO might not be right for everyone, it’s an exciting moment for many of our clients. We’re expecting this might be a first foray into investing for many.”
UK retail investors are likely to be allocated around £1.5bn worth of shares. One leading investing platform hopes this could encourage a new generation of investors. Even those who don’t apply directly may find themselves part-owners through pension funds invested in shares.
SpaceX and its founder have drawn comparisons with Tony Stark, the Marvel Comics Iron Man. Musk’s futuristic vision positions the company at the crossroads of technology and geopolitics. The prospectus, or sales brochure, signals what many see as the most important moment in stock market history: the chance for ordinary people to buy shares.
That moment will almost certainly make Elon Musk the world’s first ever trillionaire.