Skip to navigationSkip to main contentSkip to right columnADVERTISEMENTChris Neiger, The Motley FoolSun, June 21, 2026 at 5:25 PM GMT+2 4 min readShares of Space Exploration Technologies (NASDAQ: SPCX) jumped significantly in their first days of trading. As of this writing, SpaceX stock is trading at $185 per share, a 23% increase from the opening price of $150 on its IPO day.We've already seen some blockbuster IPOs slide from their initial euphoria. Artificial intelligence stock Cerebras is down about 20% over the past month after an initial surge.Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »But SpaceX has seen some volatility since its IPO, too, and more could be on the way.Here's why current and prospective SpaceX shareholders should expect share price fluctuations over the next few months.Image source: Getty Images.More SpaceX shares will hit the market after lockup periods endSeasoned investors will already know this, but those newer to investing may not be aware of the lockup periods that come with IPOs.When a company goes public, early investors and employees who've been granted stock options typically aren't allowed to sell their shares right away.SpaceX shareholders and potential investors should be aware that the end of lockup periods can cause price declines -- with some declines ranging from 1% to 3%.SpaceX shares have a staggered schedule for their lockup periods:20% to 30% of shares will come off their lockup before the first earnings report in July or August.An additional 7% of the stock will be available after either 70, 90, 105, 120, or 135 days beyond the IPO date.A further 28% of the stock will leave its lockup period after the second-quarter report.The rest will be available 180 days after the IPO date.The traditional lockup period is 180 days. This staggered schedule is unusual.The release of additional shares over the next few months could be a catalyst for declines in SpaceX's stock price. As more shares hit the market, supply will increase and help balance demand, potentially causing SpaceX shares to dip.It's not guaranteed to happen, of course, and it might not even be a dramatic slide if it does.Still, SpaceX shareholders and potential investors should be aware of the end of lockup periods and how they can affect a stock's price.All stocks are volatile, but recent IPOs are especially soI recently wrote that you might want to wait about a year to buy SpaceX stock if you're really interested in it.Terms and Privacy PolicyEU DSA contactPrivacy & Cookie SettingsMore Info