The Space Show Presents Andrew Chanin on SpaceX IPO, UFO ETF and more.

The Space Show Presents Andrew Chanin, Friday, July 17, 2026

Quick Summary:

This was a Friday Morning Space Show program where host David Livingston interviewed Andrew Chanin, Co-founder and CEO of ProcureAM, about their UFO ETF (space exchange-traded fund) and SpaceX’s recent IPO performance. Andrew explained that SpaceX was added to UFO at approximately 4.61% weighting after qualifying under new fast-track inclusion rules for pure-play mega cap space IPOs, though the stock has since declined below its IPO price due to market selloffs following the initial hype. The discussion covered how UFO’s index methodology defines space companies using revenue thresholds and the Karman line, with SpaceX currently classified as a pure-play space company despite potential future changes if it merged with Tesla. Andrew noted that while SpaceX’s performance has impacted the broader space industry, the company’s public status now allows more investors to gain exposure to space-related businesses, and he compared the current market environment to previous space investment cycles.

Detailed Summary:

Andrew discussed the recent addition of SpaceX to the UFO ETF, explaining that it was included at a 6% weighting due to its mega-cap space IPO status, with potential to increase to 15% at future rebalances. He noted that SpaceX’s stock price has declined from its IPO price, similar to other space industry stocks, and discussed how lockup periods and increasing share supply could impact the market. The conversation also covered UFO’s portfolio allocation across sectors and how SpaceX’s classification fits within the fund’s industry breakdowns.

Andrew confirmed that UFO (SpaceX) is listed on NASDAQ and explained the fund’s rules regarding pure play versus diversified aerospace companies. He discussed how a potential merger between SpaceX and Tesla could affect the company’s qualifications for the fund, noting that if less than 50% of revenue came from space but more than $500 million annually came from space, it could still potentially qualify but at a lower weight. Andrew also addressed questions about SpaceX’s complex share release schedule and lockup periods for different types of investors, explaining that these restrictions are common to prevent insiders from selling large stakes quickly.

Andrew also discussed the recent sell-off in the UFO ETF, drawing parallels to the post-SPAC boom bust cycle and suggesting that current market volatility presents an opportunity to evaluate