Shares of SpaceX rose more than 5% on Wednesday following the announcement of a new launch date for Starship, the company’s largest and most advanced rocket. The 14th test flight is scheduled for next Tuesday morning and aims to complete six orbits during a 10-hour mission, deploying Starlink Version 3 satellites in the process. This mission would mark the first occasion that Starship’s upper stage achieves stable Earth orbit.
SpaceX’s stock climbed to $150.88 per share, surpassing its initial public offering price of $135. After an initial surge to over $200 shortly after the IPO in June, the stock had declined in recent weeks, making the renewed momentum notable among investors.
Standing over 400 feet tall and capable of carrying 100 metric tons, Starship is a cornerstone of SpaceX’s broader business strategy. The rocket was designed primarily to deliver advanced Starlink satellites, which support the company’s satellite internet service. Starlink currently serves more than 12 million subscribers worldwide and represents a significant revenue stream for SpaceX.
Beyond satellite deployment, Starship also plays a role in SpaceX’s emerging artificial intelligence initiatives. The company owns xAI, which recently introduced the Grok AI chatbot system. SpaceX envisions creating a network of computers in orbit, powered by solar energy, to support increasingly sophisticated AI operations. This concept has faced skepticism from some experts, who question the feasibility of deploying AI infrastructure in space. However, SpaceX argues that the use of solar power combined with Starship’s fully reusable design will reduce operational costs compared to conventional Earth-based data centers.
The previous Starship test flight in July successfully deployed 20 Starlink V3 satellites, reignited a rocket engine in space, and executed controlled splashdowns — the upper stage in the Indian Ocean and the booster stage in the Gulf of Mexico. This accomplishment demonstrated key capabilities necessary for the upcoming mission.
Amid broader market concerns about a potential artificial intelligence bubble comparable to the dot-com surge of the early 2000s, SpaceX is working to reassure investors about the viability and long-term potential of its integrated space and AI ventures. Tuesday’s planned Starship launch will be an important milestone in assessing the company’s progress in these areas.