EL7.AI
StocksUpdated•Originally published 21 June 2026•Updated 21 June 2026•
2 min read

MSCI Assigns SpaceX Lowest Possible ESG Rating of Triple C

Elon Musk illustration with SpaceX logo, a rocket, and a scale labeled with ESG governance and social responsibility.

Key Facts

1MSCI has assigned SpaceX a Triple C rating, the lowest possible score for environmental, social, and governance standards.
2The rating places Elon Musk’s company on par with Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Amid intensifying scrutiny over sustainability standards in the technology sector, MSCI has assigned SpaceX a Triple C rating, the lowest possible score for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. According to reports, this rating places Elon Musk’s company on par with Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The assessment reflects significant concerns regarding the governance structures and social policies within the aerospace leader.

This downgrade comes as Musk's other ventures face similar challenges; notably, Tesla was previously excluded from the S&P 500 ESG Index before its reinstatement, highlighting an ongoing friction with rating agencies. Compared to aerospace and defense peers, a CCC rating is exceptionally rare for companies of such strategic importance, as most industry competitors maintain investment-grade ESG scores per market data. Such a low rating could deter institutional ESG-mandated funds and impact future private funding rounds or IPO pricing.

Regarding market performance, the SpaceX (SPCX) secondary market price stood at $185 at the close of June 18, 2026, within a recent trading range of $172.11 to $190. Investors are now watching for any official response from management that could influence the company's private valuation. Looking ahead at the economic calendar, upcoming U.S. industrial production data may further influence sentiment across the advanced manufacturing and aerospace sectors.