SpaceX explored acquiring AI coding startup Cognition AI, Bloomberg News reported on Aug. 19, citing people familiar with the matter.

If completed, the deal could have become SpaceX's second major acquisition in recent months aimed at bolstering its AI competitiveness, the report said.

The sources said acquisition talks are not currently under way. They added the two companies continue to discuss ways to cooperate, including the possibility of Cognition using SpaceX computing resources.

Cognition was valued at $26 billion during a funding round in May. It has recently been reported to be discussing with investors raising new funding at a valuation of at least $40 billion. Neither SpaceX nor Cognition made specific comments on the deal.

The Bloomberg report shows Elon Musk is willing to invest substantial funds in the AI race. SpaceX previously acquired AI coding company Cursor for $60 billion. Cognition is similar to Cursor in that it focuses on automating engineering work.

Founded in 2023, Cognition offers an AI agent called Devin as its flagship product to automate engineers' programming tasks.

Some sources said SpaceX showed interest in Cognition not only for its technology but also for its business performance. Cognition has partnerships with major companies including Mercedes-Benz Group and GE Aerospace, and Bloomberg said such ties could help SpaceXAI expand potential customer touchpoints.

Cognition CEO Scott Wu (스콧 우) has publicly said he has no intention of selling the company. He told Bloomberg in May, "Thanks to the $1 billion fundraising, we can remain an independent company, and that is very important to us."