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Safe Return of NASA Astronauts: SpaceX’s Triumph and Investment Insights

Hannah Perry | March 19, 2025

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Rescue of Stranded Astronauts: A Win for Musk and an Investment Opportunity

Introduction

The safe return of NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule has marked a significant milestone for both the astronauts and SpaceX founder Elon Musk. Their return, which occurred on Tuesday in the Gulf of Mexico, finally concluded a nine-month saga stemming from what was originally planned as an eight-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Background of the Mission

Wilmore and Williams were initially transported to the ISS aboard Boeing Co. (BA)’s Starliner capsule in June 2024. However, unforeseen technical issues plagued the Starliner, leading NASA to extend the astronauts’ stay longer than anticipated. Eventually, they had to rely on a ride back home with SpaceX, a fierce competitor in the private aerospace industry. The Starliner was returned to Earth uncrewed in August, further emphasizing the challenges Boeing faced with its mission.

A SpaceX Success Amidst Challenges

The safe return of the astronauts is seen as a victory for Musk and SpaceX, especially in light of recent tumultuous events the company faced, including two Starship flight tests that ended in explosions. However, the company also made headlines by achieving its 400th reusable-rocket landing milestone in January 2024, highlighting both its success and ambition in the private space sector.

SpaceX’s Rapid Growth

SpaceX has conducted a staggering 33 launches in 2024 alone, which includes two Starship tests. Looking ahead, the company has already booked over 130 launches for 2024, which encompasses four additional tests of its Starship megarocket. Furthermore, SpaceX has positioned itself as a clear beneficiary of the bold U.S. space agenda promoted during President Donald Trump’s administration, aided significantly by Musk’s close relationship with the White House.

The Appeal of Investment in SpaceX

Although SpaceX is not publicly traded, it remains the top holding in the Destiny Tech100 Inc. fund (DXYZ), which offers a unique opportunity for investors to gain exposure to a portfolio of high-profile private companies. As of September 30, 2024, SpaceX represented 36.9% of Destiny Tech100’s holdings, far surpassing its nearest competitor, fintech company Revolut at 12.2%.

Recent Fund Performance

Despite the Destiny Tech100 fund experiencing a 35.8% decline in 2025 thus far, it has still managed to gain an impressive 319.8% year-on-year growth. Notably, the fund’s performance significantly spiked following Trump’s November electoral victory and his inauguration the subsequent January. In comparison, shares of Musk’s electric vehicle company, Tesla Inc. (TSLA), have dipped 44.2% this year, although they are still 29.6% up over the past twelve months.

Concluding Thoughts

As demonstrated by the successful return of astronauts Wilmore and Williams, SpaceX continues to showcase its strength and resilience in an increasingly competitive aerospace landscape. While the journey has been fraught with complications—especially for competitors like Boeing—the successful ferrying of astronauts signifies a potential positive trajectory for both SpaceX and investors in the space sector.

The average investor may now wonder whether to ride the wave of SpaceX’s roller coaster through avenues such as the Destiny Tech100 Inc. fund, while keeping an eye on the potential risks that accompany investments in high-volatility sectors like aerospace technology.

The recent achievements underscore the importance of strategic partnerships, innovation, and resilience in a rapidly evolving industry, paving the way for future interstellar endeavors.