SpaceX reports Q3 capex of $19.6B, up from $6.9B a year earlier, and Q3 connectivity revenue, which includes Starlink, up 69% YoY to $5.2B (Becky Peterson/Wall Street Journal)

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk's business, Starlink, is facing a challenge as it prepares to report earnings. Starlink, a key part of SpaceX's operations, has been instrumental in funding Musk's other ventures such as reusable rockets and AI technologies. However, turning Starlink into a major mobile carrier poses significant challenges. To expand its service into densely populated areas, SpaceX will need to launch more satellites and establish a ground infrastructure.

This expansion will require substantial investment, which is a concern for a company already juggling expensive projects. While Musk has made bold claims, such as his prediction that SpaceX could be worth more than the Earth's economy, he has also faced delays in delivering on his promises, like the Tesla Roadster production timeline.

The success of Starlink is crucial for SpaceX's financial stability. In a unique gesture, Musk announced he plans to give one of his SpaceX shares to every child in America next year, highlighting the potential impact and complexities surrounding the company's future.