Firefly Aerospace will begin trading on the Nasdaq on Thursday after raising $868.3 million in the largest U.S. listing this year by a space tech company. Firefly — which became the second private enterprise to achieve a lunar landing five months ago — priced the IPO at $45 per share,

Firefly Aerospace shares were indicated to open nearly 53 per cent above their initial public offering price on Thursday, as investors continue to pour capital into firms aiding expansion of the U.S.

The Cedar Park, Texas-based space company sold more than 19 million shares in its initial public offering at $45 apiece, raising $868 million.