For most people working at sea, stock ownership is rarely part of the job. For 27-year-old Marilyn Musselman, it could be life-changing. The former engineering officer spent two years aboard a SpaceX recovery ship off the coast of Florida. During that time, he quietly made a stake in Elon Musk’s space company. Along with the shares he received through his compensation package, he invested an additional 10% of each pay check into SpaceX stock. Now, as SpaceX prepares for its highly anticipated IPO, those investments could potentially make him an overnight millionaire.
The investment habit that could make a SpaceX boat employee a millionaire
Musselman joined SpaceX in 2022 and worked on one of the company’s recovery ships. These specialized ships help retrieve rocket hardware and support launch operations at sea.Unlike engineers at company headquarters, recovery vessel personnel work away from the spotlight. His role is still important. SpaceX’s reusable rocket program depends on successful recovery operations. That system has helped the company dominate the commercial launch market.His position also came with an unusual advantage. SpaceX offered equity along with salary, giving employees the opportunity to participate in the company’s growth.Many employees sell company shares when they get a chance. Musselman chose a different path. He invested an additional 10% of each pay check into SpaceX stock.There was no complicated strategy. She just kept buying shares and holding them.Perhaps now his patience is paying off. SpaceX’s valuation has increased rapidly in recent years. The growth in launch services, government contracts and Starlink satellite network has taken the company to new heights.
SpaceX’s biggest moment ever
SpaceX is expected to begin publicly trading on June 12. It is one of the most anticipated stock market debuts in history.The company is reportedly seeking a valuation closer to $1.8 trillion. This will make it one of the most valuable businesses in the world.The number of employees who purchased shares years ago is staggering. Stock acquired when the company was undervalued may now be worth many times its original value.
Thousands of employees may benefit
Musselman’s story is just one example.Reports suggest that thousands of current and former SpaceX employees own shares in the company. These include engineers, technicians, welders, ship crew and support staff.Many people joined the company long before its valuation increased. As SpaceX grew from an ambitious private enterprise to a global aerospace giant, employee participation grew along with it.This could result in significant money increases for workers across the company.
Future beyond SpaceX
Despite the prospect of sudden wealth, Musselman appears focused on a practical goal. She hopes to use the money to start her own repair business in Chesapeake, Virginia.The ambition behind their investment strategy reflects that mindset. He defended consistently and remained patient.Whether she becomes a millionaire or not will depend on the value of her stake and future stock performance. Still, their story shows how employee ownership and disciplined investing can create extraordinary opportunities.The most notable part of Musselman’s journey is his role. She was not a senior executive or a high-profile aerospace engineer. She worked on a recovery boat helping retrieve rocket hardware from the ocean.Yet she may soon join the growing list of workers whose fortunes have been changed by SpaceX’s success.