SpaceX–xAI Merger: Competition With China for Orbital Computing Makes Musk the Primary Provider of the U.S. Technological Edge

On February 2, 2026, the aerospace corporation SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, announced the acquisition of the technology company xAI, of which Musk is also a co-founder and CEO.

The merger of SpaceX and xAI into a single company became the world's largest merger and acquisition deal—thus, the combined value of the new conglomerate is estimated at $1.25 trillion, but after the initial public offering (IPO) of SpaceX shares planned for 2026, the valuation of the merged structure will increase to $1.5 trillion.

The merger of the companies and the public offering of shares will increase Elon Musk's wealth—while as of February 14, 2026, the entrepreneur's total capital stands at $849.3 billion, the growth in SpaceX's value will allow its owner to become the world's first dollar trillionaire.