SpaceX Plans to Build Natural Gas Pipeline for Starship Launches
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 1 hour ago
0mins
Source: Newsfilter
- Pipeline Construction Plan: SpaceX plans to begin building an eight-mile natural gas pipeline called 'Starpipe' next month, expected to be operational by January 26, signaling Musk's intent to accelerate Starship rocket development and increase launch frequency.
- Fuel Supply Chain Control: The pipeline will enable SpaceX to efficiently supply the 630,000 gallons of liquid methane required per launch, reducing the cumbersome reliance on hundreds of tanker trucks, thereby laying the groundwork for its ambitious plans for hundreds of launches.
- Long-term Strategic Investment: With over 100 oil and gas leases signed in Texas, SpaceX demonstrates its commitment to investing in natural gas infrastructure, aiming to control its supply chain despite lacking experience in the oil and gas sector, indicating a strategic fallback with Starpipe.
- Enhanced Resource Management: The construction of Starpipe represents SpaceX's initial foray into energy infrastructure, allowing it to manage a resource chain from natural gas deep underground to the moon, supporting its ambitious goal of AI satellite production in space.
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About SPCX
Space Exploration Technologies Corp. designs, manufactures, launches, and operates products and services built on technologies, including rockets and spacecraft. The Company's segments include Space, Connectivity, and artificial intelligence (AI). Its Space segment designs, manufactures, and launches reusable rockets to provide access to space. Its Connectivity segment operates broadband data and communications network powered by approximately 9,600 Starlink broadband and mobile satellites in Low-Earth orbit, delivering connectivity to consumer, enterprises, and government customers over 164 countries, territories, and other markets. In its AI segment, it operates a vertically integrated AI platform spanning its truth-seeking frontier model Grok, AI solutions for consumer and enterprise customers, X-its real-time information, entertainment, and free speech platform and AI computational infrastructure.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Analysis of SpaceX's Stock Volatility Post-IPO
- Post-IPO Price Drop: Following a record-breaking IPO, SpaceX's stock surged after trading began on June 12, but by June 22, its market cap had retreated from over $2 trillion, indicating profit-taking by investors and reflecting concerns over its high valuation in the market.
- Valuation Risks: Despite SpaceX's significant roles in rocket launches and internet satellites, its valuation exceeds $2 trillion with a price-to-sales ratio over 100, which is considerably higher than its industry peers, highlighting investor uncertainty regarding its future profitability.
- Distinction Between Investing and Speculating: In the current market climate, investors must clarify whether they are speculating or investing; speculators may face long-term losses, while true investors should focus on SpaceX's long-term vision and potential market opportunities, avoiding impulsive decisions based on short-term price fluctuations.
- Cautious Future Outlook: SpaceX's future growth hinges on ambitious plans like space data centers, and while stock price volatility is pronounced in the short term, investors should remain patient, particularly waiting until after lock-up periods to consider entry points, thereby mitigating risk.
See More
Analysis of SpaceX's Stock Volatility Post-IPO
- Significant Price Volatility: SpaceX has experienced a 32% drop in its stock price within two weeks of going public, currently trading at $154.54, which is only a 15% increase from its IPO price of $135, indicating market uncertainty about its future performance.
- Low Float Ratio: Currently, only 5% of SpaceX's total shares are available for public trading, with the majority held by insiders under a 366-day lockup period, which could lead to significant selling pressure once these shares are unlocked.
- Complex Unlocking Schedule: Following the earnings release on June 30, 2026, 20% of Early Release Eligible Shares may be sold, and if the stock price reaches $175.50 beforehand, this could drastically increase the float and impact market supply and demand dynamics.
- ETF Impact Potential: While SpaceX is not expected to join the S&P 500 until 2027, it may fast-track entry into the Nasdaq-100 in July 2026, prompting related ETFs to automatically increase their holdings, which could further influence its stock price trajectory.
See More
AST SpaceMobile Stock Plummets from Record High Amid Market Concerns
- Record High Stock Price: AST SpaceMobile's stock reached an all-time high of $133.09 per share on May 28, 2026, with a market cap peaking at $39.7 billion, but has since fallen to around $66, reflecting concerns over its high valuation.
- Satellite Launch Plans: Currently, AST has launched seven low-earth orbit satellites and plans to expand to 45-60 by the end of 2026, with a long-term goal of 248 satellites; if successful, analysts project revenue could soar from $71 million in 2025 to $1.88 billion by 2028, indicating significant market potential.
- Market Environment Impact: The stock has faced pressure due to inflation, interest rate hike fears, and the impact of SpaceX's IPO, leading investors to seek safer investments, even though AST's projected 2028 sales are still considered relatively cheap.
- Insider Trading Dynamics: Over the past three months, AST insiders sold 31 times more shares than they bought, indicating a lack of confidence in the company's future performance and suggesting that investors should be cautious until the stock trades at more sustainable valuations.
See More
Investment Opportunities Amid Market Weakness
- S&P Global Opportunity: S&P Global (SPGI) has seen a 24% drop from its peak, and despite facing threats from artificial intelligence, its ratings services and market data sales are expected to see unexpected growth in a high-interest environment, with a 13% year-over-year increase in ratings revenue in Q1.
- Strategic Restructuring: S&P Global plans to spin off its mobility business into a standalone public entity, which is expected to unlock hidden value, while selling its energy software business to SLB allows it to focus on more promising core operations and mitigate AI risks.
- Qualcomm's Future: Qualcomm (QCOM) has gained popularity with its high-performance Snapdragon processors in mobile devices, and the global mobile AI market is projected to grow at an average annual rate of 26% to $325 billion, although stock volatility may persist in the short term, the long-term outlook remains positive.
- Chewy's Market Challenges: Chewy (CHWY) has exceeded sales expectations in Q1 but lowered its full-year revenue guidance due to a challenging economic environment; however, its auto-ship customer ratio has reached 84.4%, indicating strong competitiveness in the pet supplies market, with analysts generally considering its stock a strong buy.
See More
SpaceX Plans to Build Natural Gas Pipeline for Starship Launches
- Pipeline Construction Plan: SpaceX plans to begin building an eight-mile natural gas pipeline called 'Starpipe' next month, expected to be operational by January 26, signaling Musk's intent to accelerate Starship rocket development and increase launch frequency.
- Fuel Supply Chain Control: The pipeline will enable SpaceX to efficiently supply the 630,000 gallons of liquid methane required per launch, reducing the cumbersome reliance on hundreds of tanker trucks, thereby laying the groundwork for its ambitious plans for hundreds of launches.
- Long-term Strategic Investment: With over 100 oil and gas leases signed in Texas, SpaceX demonstrates its commitment to investing in natural gas infrastructure, aiming to control its supply chain despite lacking experience in the oil and gas sector, indicating a strategic fallback with Starpipe.
- Enhanced Resource Management: The construction of Starpipe represents SpaceX's initial foray into energy infrastructure, allowing it to manage a resource chain from natural gas deep underground to the moon, supporting its ambitious goal of AI satellite production in space.
See More
Southwest Airlines Launches First Starlink Wi-Fi Flight
- First Starlink Wi-Fi Flight: On June 22, Southwest Airlines launched its inaugural flight equipped with Starlink inflight Wi-Fi between Dallas and Albuquerque, marking a significant advancement in enhancing customer flying experience.
- High-Speed Connectivity: Southwest's Chief Customer and Brand Officer, Tony Roach, stated that this ultra-fast Wi-Fi provides passengers with an at-home internet experience, allowing them to stay connected and productive at 35,000 feet.
- Future Expansion Plans: The airline plans to rapidly integrate Starlink service into 300 aircraft by the end of 2026, although it recently indicated a mixed approach using various LEO providers, potentially including Amazon and Viasat, to enhance its fleet's connectivity.
- Market Impact Analysis: The proliferation of Starlink Wi-Fi is significantly pressuring Gogo Inc., a broadband provider for the aviation industry, whose shares have plummeted over 80% since the beginning of the year and fell another 2% on Thursday to a five-year low, indicating intensified market competition.
See More
Analysis of SpaceX's Stock Volatility Post-IPO
- Post-IPO Price Drop: Following a record-breaking IPO, SpaceX's stock surged after trading began on June 12, but by June 22, its market cap had retreated from over $2 trillion, indicating profit-taking by investors and reflecting concerns over its high valuation in the market.
- Valuation Risks: Despite SpaceX's significant roles in rocket launches and internet satellites, its valuation exceeds $2 trillion with a price-to-sales ratio over 100, which is considerably higher than its industry peers, highlighting investor uncertainty regarding its future profitability.
- Distinction Between Investing and Speculating: In the current market climate, investors must clarify whether they are speculating or investing; speculators may face long-term losses, while true investors should focus on SpaceX's long-term vision and potential market opportunities, avoiding impulsive decisions based on short-term price fluctuations.
- Cautious Future Outlook: SpaceX's future growth hinges on ambitious plans like space data centers, and while stock price volatility is pronounced in the short term, investors should remain patient, particularly waiting until after lock-up periods to consider entry points, thereby mitigating risk.
See More
Analysis of SpaceX's Stock Volatility Post-IPO
- Significant Price Volatility: SpaceX has experienced a 32% drop in its stock price within two weeks of going public, currently trading at $154.54, which is only a 15% increase from its IPO price of $135, indicating market uncertainty about its future performance.
- Low Float Ratio: Currently, only 5% of SpaceX's total shares are available for public trading, with the majority held by insiders under a 366-day lockup period, which could lead to significant selling pressure once these shares are unlocked.
- Complex Unlocking Schedule: Following the earnings release on June 30, 2026, 20% of Early Release Eligible Shares may be sold, and if the stock price reaches $175.50 beforehand, this could drastically increase the float and impact market supply and demand dynamics.
- ETF Impact Potential: While SpaceX is not expected to join the S&P 500 until 2027, it may fast-track entry into the Nasdaq-100 in July 2026, prompting related ETFs to automatically increase their holdings, which could further influence its stock price trajectory.
See More
AST SpaceMobile Stock Plummets from Record High Amid Market Concerns
- Record High Stock Price: AST SpaceMobile's stock reached an all-time high of $133.09 per share on May 28, 2026, with a market cap peaking at $39.7 billion, but has since fallen to around $66, reflecting concerns over its high valuation.
- Satellite Launch Plans: Currently, AST has launched seven low-earth orbit satellites and plans to expand to 45-60 by the end of 2026, with a long-term goal of 248 satellites; if successful, analysts project revenue could soar from $71 million in 2025 to $1.88 billion by 2028, indicating significant market potential.
- Market Environment Impact: The stock has faced pressure due to inflation, interest rate hike fears, and the impact of SpaceX's IPO, leading investors to seek safer investments, even though AST's projected 2028 sales are still considered relatively cheap.
- Insider Trading Dynamics: Over the past three months, AST insiders sold 31 times more shares than they bought, indicating a lack of confidence in the company's future performance and suggesting that investors should be cautious until the stock trades at more sustainable valuations.
See More
Investment Opportunities Amid Market Weakness
- S&P Global Opportunity: S&P Global (SPGI) has seen a 24% drop from its peak, and despite facing threats from artificial intelligence, its ratings services and market data sales are expected to see unexpected growth in a high-interest environment, with a 13% year-over-year increase in ratings revenue in Q1.
- Strategic Restructuring: S&P Global plans to spin off its mobility business into a standalone public entity, which is expected to unlock hidden value, while selling its energy software business to SLB allows it to focus on more promising core operations and mitigate AI risks.
- Qualcomm's Future: Qualcomm (QCOM) has gained popularity with its high-performance Snapdragon processors in mobile devices, and the global mobile AI market is projected to grow at an average annual rate of 26% to $325 billion, although stock volatility may persist in the short term, the long-term outlook remains positive.
- Chewy's Market Challenges: Chewy (CHWY) has exceeded sales expectations in Q1 but lowered its full-year revenue guidance due to a challenging economic environment; however, its auto-ship customer ratio has reached 84.4%, indicating strong competitiveness in the pet supplies market, with analysts generally considering its stock a strong buy.
See More
SpaceX Plans to Build Natural Gas Pipeline for Starship Launches
- Pipeline Construction Plan: SpaceX plans to begin building an eight-mile natural gas pipeline called 'Starpipe' next month, expected to be operational by January 26, signaling Musk's intent to accelerate Starship rocket development and increase launch frequency.
- Fuel Supply Chain Control: The pipeline will enable SpaceX to efficiently supply the 630,000 gallons of liquid methane required per launch, reducing the cumbersome reliance on hundreds of tanker trucks, thereby laying the groundwork for its ambitious plans for hundreds of launches.
- Long-term Strategic Investment: With over 100 oil and gas leases signed in Texas, SpaceX demonstrates its commitment to investing in natural gas infrastructure, aiming to control its supply chain despite lacking experience in the oil and gas sector, indicating a strategic fallback with Starpipe.
- Enhanced Resource Management: The construction of Starpipe represents SpaceX's initial foray into energy infrastructure, allowing it to manage a resource chain from natural gas deep underground to the moon, supporting its ambitious goal of AI satellite production in space.
See More
Southwest Airlines Launches First Starlink Wi-Fi Flight
- First Starlink Wi-Fi Flight: On June 22, Southwest Airlines launched its inaugural flight equipped with Starlink inflight Wi-Fi between Dallas and Albuquerque, marking a significant advancement in enhancing customer flying experience.
- High-Speed Connectivity: Southwest's Chief Customer and Brand Officer, Tony Roach, stated that this ultra-fast Wi-Fi provides passengers with an at-home internet experience, allowing them to stay connected and productive at 35,000 feet.
- Future Expansion Plans: The airline plans to rapidly integrate Starlink service into 300 aircraft by the end of 2026, although it recently indicated a mixed approach using various LEO providers, potentially including Amazon and Viasat, to enhance its fleet's connectivity.
- Market Impact Analysis: The proliferation of Starlink Wi-Fi is significantly pressuring Gogo Inc., a broadband provider for the aviation industry, whose shares have plummeted over 80% since the beginning of the year and fell another 2% on Thursday to a five-year low, indicating intensified market competition.
See More
