Will SpaceX still be a launch company after its historic IPO?

On May 20, SpaceX filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) key documentation for an initial public offering (IPO) of stock. An IPO signals that a private company is now selling shares to the public on a stock exchange. SpaceX's long-anticipated move could become the largest IPO in history , perhaps giving a $2 trillion dollar valuation to the company, which will soon be listed on the ticker as SPCX. SpaceX 's SEC Form S-1 is a vital registration step for U.S.-based companies planning an IPO, detailing significant corporate information to assist investors. "This prospectus contains forward-looking statements that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control," SpaceX wrote in the S-1 . "You should read this entire prospectus carefully before making an investment decision." The prospectus adds: "We face a number of challenges relating to our business and growth strategy and, ultimately, the achievement of our mission to make life multiplanetary, understand the true nature of the universe , and extend the light of consciousness to the stars ." Space.com reached out to a number of experts about what the SpaceX IPO means for markets and individual investors — and the implications for a new wave of high-tech listings seeking fame and fortune. The Elon factor Shaun Davies is an associate professor of finance at the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado Boulder. …