Sources say SpaceX is in talks to raise $1 billion, a valuation that could rise to $150 billion

Beijing, Nov. 16 (Xinhua)-- billionaire Elon Musk's SpaceX is in talks to raise nearly $1 billion in a new round of financing, which will value the rocket launch and satellite at about $150 billion, according to people familiar with the matter.

SpaceX is priced at about $85 a share in ongoing negotiations, pushing up the valuation of $120.5 billion earlier this year, according to people familiar with the matter. One of the people familiar with the matter added that the company's current round of financing could raise nearly $1 billion.

This suggests that investor interest is high, while other start-ups in late-stage financing have to face valuation cuts.

SpaceX did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

SpaceX is understood to have competed with Blue Origin, a commercial aerospace company owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, and Virgin Galaxy, owned by billionaire Richard Branson, in the emerging commercial rocket world.

SapceX has made a series of breakthroughs this year, so investors have shown strong interest in it. The Falcon heavy rocket, currently the most powerful rocket in the world, was launched for the first time in more than three years. The goal is to put its huge starship rocket system into orbit for the first time in early December.

In addition, the company's commercial applications include the launch of high-speed Internet for commercial airlines last month.

As one of the most highly valued private companies in the world, SpaceX regularly provides liquidity plans for employees to sell their stakes in the secondary market without going public.

Investors can buy new shares issued by SpaceX or from employees who choose to sell them through private placement or tender.

After completing the privatisation of Twitter, Mr Musk said he planned to offer similar shares and liquidity plans at the company.