OpenAI Chief Executive Sam Altman has explored putting together funds to either acquire or partner with a rocket company, a move that would position him to compete against Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

The OpenAI CEO explored a deal with Stoke Space that would have put him in control of the rocket startup.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX is aiming for an initial public offering in the second half of 2026, preparing for a share sale that could value the rocket firm at $800 billion, according to reports.