The Rundown The SpaceX IPO is Coming. Here's Why Elon Musk Can No Longer Resist (ft. Eric Berger)
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Dec 14, 2025 
Eric Berger, senior space editor at Ars Technica and author of Liftoff, discusses SpaceX's potential IPO and why Elon Musk is rethinking his stance on public markets. The rise of Starlink revenue and the AI arms race are pivotal factors pushing for this move. Berger explains how SpaceX is transitioning into space-based data centers, leveraging solar power and Starlink technology. He also highlights SpaceX's dominance in the industry, its competition, and predictions for future lunar and Martian endeavors.
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Why Musk Resisted Going Public
- Elon avoided an IPO because SpaceX reinvested virtually all revenue into long-term goals instead of short-term profits.
- He also disliked public scrutiny and regulatory oversight that constrain unilateral decision-making.
AI Spurs The IPO Push
- The AI acceleration changed Musk's calculus: winning the AI future requires huge capital and infrastructure investment now.
- SpaceX's rockets, satellite expertise, and manufacturing uniquely position it to serve AI with space-based infrastructure.
What 'Data Centers In Space' Actually Means
- Data centers in space use continuous solar power and Starlink laser links to sidestep terrestrial constraints like intermittent solar and permitting.
- Heat dissipation and communications are challenges but SpaceX already has core technologies to address them.
