Market Matters: Investing in Space Economy Ahead of SpaceX IPO

The SpaceX IPO rumor—potentially valued at $2 trillion—could redefine the space economy, shifting it from a speculative niche to a core investment theme. Andrew Chan, CEO of Procure and creator of the UFO ETF, argues that while SpaceX’s exact business model remains unclear, its public debut would unlock massive capital deployment, likely fueling M&A, infrastructure buildout, and innovation across launch, communications, and lunar development. Yet the real opportunity lies not just in the stars, but in the 'hidden space economy'—the everyday systems powered by satellites, from remote work and AI to cloud computing and IoT, which rely on space-based infrastructure as a digital 'toll highway.' Chan warns that while orbital data centers and asteroid mining may be distant dreams, the immediate winners are companies enabling launch, lunar infrastructure, and data transmission. The stakes are high: national security and economic dominance now hinge on who builds the moon’s first roads, habitats, and power grids first. Patience and deep research are essential—this isn’t a sprint, but a multi-decade race where the most overlooked companies may deliver the highest returns.