EL7.AI
StocksUpdated•Originally published 17 July 2026•Updated 17 July 2026•
2 min read

SpaceX Faces $25B Selling Pressure After Aborted Starship Test Flight

Key Facts

1The probability of SpaceX stock closing higher by July end fell from 61% to 32% on crypto prediction markets.
2Space Exploration Technologies Corp. stock continues to trade below its IPO price amid renewed selling pressure.

In a major technical setback that highlights the high-stakes nature of commercial space flight, SpaceX is facing a massive $25 billion wall of bearish selling pressure. The company was forced to abort its 13th Starship test flight moments before liftoff after several engines failed to start properly. This operational failure has intensified the negative sentiment surrounding Elon Musk’s space and AI firm, as market participants link technical milestones directly to the company's valuation in secondary markets.

This technical failure occurs amidst a broader re-evaluation of space industry valuations, mirroring recent volatility seen in peers such as Rocket Lab (RKLB). Per market data, high-profile mission aborts often trigger institutional de-risking, which explains the scale of the current $25 billion sell-off. Analysts suggest that the inability to execute this flight successfully raises concerns regarding the company's near-term launch manifest and long-term capital efficiency in a tightening liquidity environment.

At the close on July 16, 2026, SPCX was priced at $131.11, hovering dangerously close to its daily low of $130.74. Investors are now looking toward the Fed Monetary Policy Report scheduled for later today as a key macro catalyst for market-wide risk appetite. The immediate outlook for the stock remains tied to whether SpaceX can provide a clear timeline for rectifying the engine issues discovered during the aborted Starship launch.