(Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, Starbase, Texas) A private aerospace company founded in California in 2002 by Elon Musk. Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center in Florida and Vandenberg Space Force Base in California were the first launch sites. In 2014, construction began for a site near Brownsville, Texas, which later became the location of the company headquarters.
In early 2026, Musk announced that his AI company will become part of SpaceX, making it the world's most valuable private company. See
xAI.
Major Firsts for a Private Rocket Ship Company
Starting in 2008, SpaceX is known for its many firsts as a private company not beholden to the public. SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket family has flown more than a hundred times, and in 2010, SpaceX was the first private company to launch a spacecraft into orbit and recover it. In 2017, it reused a commercial spacecraft designed for cargo, and in 2020 was first to send humans into orbit. In 2023, the SpaceX rocket was the most powerful ever.
In late 2024, SpaceX caught the 232-foot booster from its heavy Starship rocket with mechanical arms back at its launch pad. Normally, boosters splash into the ocean miles away. This was a first for any spaceship company, private or public. See
Starlink and
LVCC Loop.
Mars Ahoy!
One of the long-term goals of Musk is to colonize Mars, which he believes is essential to perpetuate humanity in the future.