SpaceX plans to launch a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station at 9:23 a.m. today, the same day the company goes public in a $10 billion initial public offering. The launch, which will carry a classified payload for the U.S. government, is the first of two planned missions this week from the Space Coast. SpaceX has not disclosed the exact location of the payload’s destination, but the mission is expected to last approximately 14 days. The company’s IPO, which began trading on the New York Stock Exchange today, marks a major milestone for Elon Musk’s firm. 'This is a historic day for SpaceX and the entire Space Coast,' said Brevard County Commissioner Wayne Simpson. 'Watching a company we’ve grown up with become a global leader is incredible.' The launch comes as SpaceX continues to expand its operations in Brevard, where it has conducted over 100 launches since 2010. The company’s presence has brought thousands of jobs to the region, though some residents have raised concerns about the environmental impact of frequent rocket launches. Today’s mission will be the first launch from Cape Canaveral since SpaceX’s last flight in late July, which delivered satellites for the Starlink broadband internet service. The company has also announced plans to begin testing its Starship spacecraft at its South Texas facility later this year. Meanwhile, the IPO has drawn attention from investors and analysts, with shares opening at $187.50, above the $185 price range. SpaceX’s valuation now exceeds $120 billion, making it one of the most valuable private companies in the world. The company has not commented publicly on how the IPO proceeds will be used, but industry insiders speculate the funds will support its ambitions to send humans to Mars and expand its satellite constellation.