08:14 AM EDT, 05/01/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk's SpaceX has spent more than $15 billion developing its next-generation Starship rocket system, Reuters reported Friday, citing the aerospace firm's confidential initial public offering registration.

The previously unreleased expenditure greatly surpasses the roughly $400 million SpaceX spent developing its workhorse Falcon 9 rocket, the news outlet reported.

The company intends to begin deploying its upgraded V3 Starlink communications satellites in the second half of 2026, likely using Starship, according to the publication.

Space segment research and development expenses increased to $3 billion in 2025, with all funding directed toward the Starship initiative, the report said.

There are significant technical obstacles, including in-orbit refueling, that must be resolved to achieve high-frequency flight targets, Reuters reported, citing the company's IPO filing.

SpaceX did not immediately respond to MT Newswires'request for comment.

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