For most people working at sea, stock ownership is rarely part of the job. For 27-year-old Maryellyn Musselman, it could be life-changing. The former engineering officer spent two years aboard a SpaceX recovery vessel off Florida’s coast. During that time, she quietly built a stake in Elon Musk‘s space company. Along with shares received through her compensation package, she invested 10% of every pay cheque into additional SpaceX stock. Now, as SpaceX prepares for its highly anticipated IPO, those investments could potentially make her a millionaire overnight.
The investment habit that could turn a SpaceX boat worker into a millionaire
Musselman joined SpaceX in 2022 and worked aboard one of the company’s recovery vessels. These specialised ships help retrieve rocket hardware and support launch operations at sea.Unlike engineers at company headquarters, recovery vessel crews work far from the spotlight. Their role is still critical. SpaceX’s reusable rocket programme depends on successful recovery operations. That system has helped the company dominate the commercial launch market.Her position also came with an unusual benefit. SpaceX offered equity alongside salary, giving employees a chance to share in the company’s growth.Many workers sell company shares when they get the chance. Musselman chose a different path. She invested 10% of every pay cheque into additional SpaceX stock.There was no complicated strategy. She simply kept buying shares and held onto them.That patience may now be paying off. SpaceX’s valuation has climbed sharply in recent years. Growth in launch services, government contracts and the Starlink satellite network has pushed the company to new heights.
SpaceX’s biggest moment yet
SpaceX is expected to begin trading publicly on 12 June. It is one of the most anticipated stock market debuts in history.The company is reportedly seeking a valuation close to $1.8 trillion. That would place it among the world’s most valuable businesses.For employees who acquired shares years ago, the numbers are staggering. Stock obtained when the company was worth far less could now be worth many times its original value.
Thousands of workers may benefit
Musselman’s story is only one example.Reports suggest thousands of current and former SpaceX employees hold company shares. They include engineers, technicians, welders, vessel crews and support staff.Many joined long before the company’s valuation soared. As SpaceX grew from an ambitious private venture into a global aerospace giant, employee holdings grew with it.The result could be a significant wealth boost for workers across the company.
A 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 reflects the same mindset behind her investment strategy. She saved consistently and stayed patient.Whether she becomes a millionaire will depend on the value of her holdings and future share performance. Even so, her story shows how employee ownership and disciplined investing can create extraordinary opportunities.The most remarkable part of Musselman’s journey is her role. She was not a senior executive or a high-profile aerospace engineer. She worked aboard a recovery boat helping retrieve rocket hardware from the ocean.Yet she may soon join the growing list of workers whose fortunes have been transformed by SpaceX’s success.
