Elon Musk aims to revolutionize AI programming: After Cursor, SpaceX attempted to acquire Cognition but was rejected.

After spending $60 billion to complete the acquisition of Cursor, SpaceX has made another move by approaching AI programming startup Cognition AI for a potential acquisition, but was rejected. This series of actions reflects Elon Musk's aggressive expansion intentions in the artificial intelligence sector.

According to a Bloomberg report on Thursday, people familiar with the matter revealed that SpaceX approached Cognition AI regarding a possible acquisition, but Cognition did not engage in any substantive negotiations. Both parties are still discussing cooperation matters, including the potential arrangement for Cognition to use SpaceX's computing resources. Cognition CEO Scott Wu later responded clearly on social media, stating, the company "is not for sale, and we are not in negotiations."

This setback does not hinder SpaceX’s overall layout in the AI programming field. After completing its historic IPO this summer, SpaceX has transformed from a rocket and satellite communications company into a technology conglomerate spanning multiple fields, with AI growth as one of its core strategic pillars.

SpaceX’s Ambitions in AI Programming

SpaceX has recently been very active in the AI programming field. The company just completed the $60 billion acquisition of Cursor—one of the key players in the "vibe coding" wave, experiencing rapid growth. The approach to acquire Cognition marked SpaceX’s second major acquisition attempt within just a few months.

Cognition is also deeply engaged in the automation of engineering tasks, with a positioning highly similar to Cursor. Sources say SpaceX’s interest in Cognition stems not only from its technical strength but also from its commercial progress to date.

Currently, Musk’s AI business operates under the SpaceXAI brand and lags behind competitors in enterprise sales, having undergone a series of layoffs and restructurings. Acquiring companies with established client resources is seen as one of the quickest ways to enhance commercial capabilities.

Cognition: Soaring Valuation and a Commitment to Independence

Cognition was founded in 2023, with its flagship product Devin—an AI agent designed specifically for engineers to automate programming processes. The company has established partnerships with major corporations such as Mercedes-Benz Group and GE Aerospace.

In terms of valuation, Cognition was valued at $26 billion during a funding round in May this year and is currently in early talks with investors for a new round, with a target valuation of at least $40 billion.

Scott Wu has consistently maintained a firm stance against selling the company. In May, he publicly stated that a $1 billion capital raise "allowed us to remain independent and continue operating as a standalone company, which is crucial for us." His latest response on social media continues this position.

Although the acquisition attempt was blocked, communication between the two sides has not ended. According to sources, SpaceX and Cognition continue to discuss ways of cooperation, including the possibility of providing computing resources to Cognition. If implemented, this arrangement would give SpaceX another avenue into the AI programming ecosystem—by becoming an infrastructure provider, it could indirectly tie itself to fast-growing AI application layer companies. After completing its IPO this summer, SpaceX’s computing business has become a key part of its overall strategy, providing a solid foundation for such cooperation.