I noticed an interesting point in the history of the space industry. While all attention is focused on Musk and his ambitious plans, there is someone working behind the scenes who has literally kept SpaceX afloat for over a quarter of a century. The person in question is Gwynne Shotwell, the president of the company, which is now preparing for one of the most significant IPOs in history.

This is truly an unusual situation. The company aims to go public in 2026 with a valuation of $1.5 trillion — potentially raising over $30 billion. But what’s interesting is that Shotwell is virtually unknown to the general public, even though she has been managing all operations since 2008. That’s the year NASA awarded SpaceX a $1.6 billion contract, which saved the company from bankruptcy.

Gwynne Shotwell is essentially a buffer between chaos and order. When Musk clashed with President Trump in June and threatened to shut down the ISS supply program, she was the one managing the situation with NASA. Bill Nelson, who led the agency under Biden, said: she is a reliable pillar, and if I trust her, then I trust SpaceX.

Shotwell’s career began as Vice President of Business Development — meeting with government officials and companies around the world. Musk promoted her in 2008, and since then she has guided the company through all trials. Starlink is now the largest satellite network in history. SpaceX has learned to land and reuse boosters. In 2020, they sent astronauts to the station for the first time in nine years.

But here’s the core of the problem: Gwynne Shotwell has always operated quietly, behind the scenes. She protected Musk, managed his unpredictability, smoothed over conflicts. When employees complained about harassment claims, she sided with the company. This raises questions about SpaceX’s culture, but it also shows how dedicated she is to the cause.

Now she faces her biggest challenge. An IPO means stepping into the bright public spotlight after many years in the shadows. The company needs to perfect Starship — the rocket failed in three test missions last year. NASA needs Starship for lunar return. Musk wants it for Mars. Plus, another $20 billion has been spent on wireless spectrum.

Dan Goldberg from Telesat, who is both a partner and competitor of SpaceX, speaks of Shotwell with admiration: considering everything they’ve achieved, her groundedness is impressive. People like Mark Hunkosu and Lauren Dreyer stay with the company for years thanks to her leadership.

Katy Luders, a former SpaceX and NASA executive, noted: Gwynne always steps in where the company needs help the most. She’s not just a manager — she’s someone who knows which battles can be won with Musk and which cannot.

Currently, the company is in a period of silence before the IPO. Employees are forbidden from discussing the listing. This could be the largest offering in history. And all this enormous responsibility rests on the shoulders of someone most people don’t even know by name. But those in the industry know: without Gwynne Shotwell, SpaceX would never have reached where it is today.