SpaceX IPO expected to ignite the "space gold rush"! 2026 will usher in a new wave of investment frenzy.

Investment company Seraphim Space announced on Monday that global space technology investment is expected to further increase in 2026, driven by US government spending on defense-related satellite systems and the private sector's bet on launch capabilities. Space infrastructure is increasingly seen as a strategic national priority, with countries competing for investments to ensure geopolitical advantages. Seraphim Space stated that investors anticipate financing momentum to be driven by sovereign satellite and missile defense system expenditures, the integration of artificial intelligence with space hardware and analytical technologies, and the prospect of SpaceX's IPO. Lucas Bixby, an investment analyst at Seraphim Space, stated, "SpaceX's potential IPO could serve as a powerful catalyst, further validating space technology as a mainstream asset class and paving a clearer path to going public for more late-stage space tech companies." According to Seraphim Space data, investments in the sector reached a historic high in 2025, with private investments growing by 48% to $12.4 billion, including $3.8 billion in the fourth quarter. This funding exceeded the previous peak set in 2021, signaling a full recovery from the slump in 2022, outperforming the broader venture capital market. The US dominated the market last year with $7.3 billion in investments, accounting for approximately 60% of global funding, thanks to massive spending on launch services and defense-related projects such as the Pentagon's "Star Shield" program. Former President Trump signed an executive order in December designating space as a core national security and economic priority, with investors expecting this move to boost funding in the industry. Industry growth in Europe has been more moderate, while investment in Asia remains strong, with China accelerating domestic launch and satellite manufacturing efforts, contributing approximately $2 billion.