A SpaceX and xAI merger could be imminent, according to a report by Reuters. The deal would give SpaceX fresh momentum in its efforts to launch data centers into orbit as it battles tech giants like Google, Meta, and OpenAI in the rapidly escalating AI race.
SpaceX is already the world's most valuable privately held company, last valued at $800 billion in a recent insider share sale. xAI was valued at $230 billion in November, according to The Wall Street Journal. Musk has previously confirmed that SpaceX plans to go public sometime this year, with a valuation expected above $1 trillion.
The planned merger comes ahead of a blockbuster public offering planned for later this year. Under the proposed deal, shares of xAI would be exchanged for shares in SpaceX. Two entities have been set up in Nevada to facilitate the transaction.
Musk has stated that the lowest cost place to put AI will be in space and plans to launch data centers into orbit as part of his strategy to advance artificial intelligence.
The FAA expects continued growth in launches, with projections showing the number of licensed operations could double by 2029. The agency licensed 205 operations in 2025, including launches and reentries, a 25 percent increase from 2024.
ESA to study Falcon 9 breakup over Poland
The European Space Agency has published a call to tender for a study examining the reentry and breakup of a SpaceX Falcon 9 upper stage in February last year. The incident occurred when the rocket released its payload shroud, causing debris to shower down on the ground.
SpaceX targets mid-March for next Starship launch
The company plans to launch Starship's next test flight in six weeks, with the flight scheduled to take place in mid-March. The mission will be the 12th overall for Starship but the first of the bigger and more powerful "Version 3" (V3) iteration of the vehicle.
FAA expects continued growth in launches
The FAA expects continued growth in launches, with projections showing the number of licensed operations could double by 2029. The agency licensed 205 operations in 2025, including launches and reentries, a 25 percent increase from 2024.
Canada Rocket Company emerges from stealth
A Toronto-based launch startup, Canada Rocket Company, emerged from stealth earlier this month with plans to create sovereign light- and medium-lift launch capabilities. The company was founded late last year in response to Canada's rapidly increasing investment in the space domain.
UK Abandons Orbex
The UK has abandoned its support for British launch company Orbex, which is now preparing to sell the business to The Exploration Company in close cooperation with the government. This represents a reversal from early 2025, when the United Kingdom appeared prepared to back Orbex as a means of using British rockets to launch British satellites into space.
Brazilian Launch Contract
A Brazilian government agency has contracted SpaceLaunch, a Texas-based launch broker, to launch an Earth observation satellite on a Vega C rocket in 2027. The contract is worth 188.2 million Brazilian real ($35.6 million).
Russia reportedly testing plasma engine
India's Defence Review reports that Russia is testing a new plasma propulsion system that may accelerate future missions to Mars, reducing travel time from multiple months to just one or two.
Vega C nabs Brazilian launch contract
A Brazilian government agency will launch an Earth observation satellite on a Vega C rocket in 2027. The contract was awarded to SpaceLaunch, a Texas-based launch broker.
SpaceX is already the world's most valuable privately held company, last valued at $800 billion in a recent insider share sale. xAI was valued at $230 billion in November, according to The Wall Street Journal. Musk has previously confirmed that SpaceX plans to go public sometime this year, with a valuation expected above $1 trillion.
The planned merger comes ahead of a blockbuster public offering planned for later this year. Under the proposed deal, shares of xAI would be exchanged for shares in SpaceX. Two entities have been set up in Nevada to facilitate the transaction.
Musk has stated that the lowest cost place to put AI will be in space and plans to launch data centers into orbit as part of his strategy to advance artificial intelligence.
The FAA expects continued growth in launches, with projections showing the number of licensed operations could double by 2029. The agency licensed 205 operations in 2025, including launches and reentries, a 25 percent increase from 2024.
ESA to study Falcon 9 breakup over Poland
The European Space Agency has published a call to tender for a study examining the reentry and breakup of a SpaceX Falcon 9 upper stage in February last year. The incident occurred when the rocket released its payload shroud, causing debris to shower down on the ground.
SpaceX targets mid-March for next Starship launch
The company plans to launch Starship's next test flight in six weeks, with the flight scheduled to take place in mid-March. The mission will be the 12th overall for Starship but the first of the bigger and more powerful "Version 3" (V3) iteration of the vehicle.
FAA expects continued growth in launches
The FAA expects continued growth in launches, with projections showing the number of licensed operations could double by 2029. The agency licensed 205 operations in 2025, including launches and reentries, a 25 percent increase from 2024.
Canada Rocket Company emerges from stealth
A Toronto-based launch startup, Canada Rocket Company, emerged from stealth earlier this month with plans to create sovereign light- and medium-lift launch capabilities. The company was founded late last year in response to Canada's rapidly increasing investment in the space domain.
UK Abandons Orbex
The UK has abandoned its support for British launch company Orbex, which is now preparing to sell the business to The Exploration Company in close cooperation with the government. This represents a reversal from early 2025, when the United Kingdom appeared prepared to back Orbex as a means of using British rockets to launch British satellites into space.
Brazilian Launch Contract
A Brazilian government agency has contracted SpaceLaunch, a Texas-based launch broker, to launch an Earth observation satellite on a Vega C rocket in 2027. The contract is worth 188.2 million Brazilian real ($35.6 million).
Russia reportedly testing plasma engine
India's Defence Review reports that Russia is testing a new plasma propulsion system that may accelerate future missions to Mars, reducing travel time from multiple months to just one or two.
Vega C nabs Brazilian launch contract
A Brazilian government agency will launch an Earth observation satellite on a Vega C rocket in 2027. The contract was awarded to SpaceLaunch, a Texas-based launch broker.
think spacex is getting too big for its britches 
, merging with xai could lead to some serious regulatory issues 
. also, when you're valuing at $800b+ and planning to go public above $1t, gotta wonder if you're prioritizing innovation over investor greed 
can't believe the potential merge between spacex and xai!!! that would be insane 
musk's plan to put ai in space is gonna change everything 
it's like, the ultimate prize - being able to process info way faster than anyone on earth 
gotta keep an eye on this one 
so another big merger is happening with SpaceX and xAI this could be super interesting for the AI game I mean if Elon's plan works out and he launches data centers into orbit it could give him a huge edge over Google Meta etc 
. It's crazy to think that we're entering an era where private companies are leading the charge in AI research and space exploration 
. If they can make it happen, it's likely to disrupt the entire tech landscape 
. It's clear that space tech is becoming increasingly important for AI advancements and we're just starting to see the effects 
i wonder if Elon Musk has thought about how he's gonna spend all that cash lol... and what's with the whole AI thing? like, why can't we just solve world hunger or something instead of trying to put data centers in space 
. But let's not forget, the FAA is expecting more launches to come online, which means increased competition in the space industry. We can expect some major shake-ups as the likes of Orbex, Canada Rocket Company, and SpaceLaunch try to carve out their own niches 
. Meanwhile, Russia is testing a new plasma engine that could potentially speed up missions to Mars... talk about a wild card 
I'm lowkey hyped for this merger, can't wait to see what they come up with next 
. We need more innovation in space and AI to tackle climate change 
. It's an exciting time for space tech and AI enthusiasts like me 
?! it's gonna be so cool! they're like, pushing the boundaries of what's possible with AI and space tech. and with this merger, they'll have even more resources to make it happen 
and the recent Starship delays. Still, it's not like Musk doesn't know what he's doing (right?) 
can't wait to see what's next! 
also, do you think xai will still be relevant after merging with spacy 
and with the FAA expecting more launches, it's only going to get bigger and better!