SpaceX executives revealed that Starship will be ready to launch upgraded Starlink satellites by mid-2027, marking a crucial step toward the company's anticipated IPO. Speaking at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, SpaceX leaders outlined their timeline for commercial deployment of the next-generation rocket, which could value the company at $1.5 trillion in what would be the largest stock market debut ever.

A Starship test flight is expected within the next four to six weeks, following the rocket's successful 11th test in October when it flew for over an hour before landing in the Indian Ocean. The fully reusable vehicle promises to transform space economics by carrying up to 250 metric tons and launching more than 50 satellites per flight. This expanded capacity will accelerate Starlink's growth, with executives aiming to deploy 1,200 satellites within six months of next year's launch.

Starlink Mobile has already surpassed 10 million monthly users and targets 25 million by year-end. The system's improved networking capabilities could eventually replace terrestrial networks in certain locations. As SpaceX prepares for this pivotal moment, the company balances ambitions for both lunar and Martian exploration, with Mars remaining CEO Elon Musk's ultimate passion despite recent focus on lunar missions.