Intuitive Machines, a space exploration company, announced that it has secured a major contract worth up to $4.82 billion from NASA to provide communication and navigation services for missions in the near space region, which includes operations between Earth and the Moon.
The contract is part of NASA’s broader Artemis campaign aimed at returning humans to the Moon and establishing a long-term lunar presence.
The contract, which includes a five-year base period with an option for an additional five years, will see Intuitive Machines deploy a series of lunar relay satellites. These satellites will enhance communication and navigation capabilities for NASA’s lunar missions, including both robotic and crewed expeditions. Intuitive Machines’ shares surged 52% in aftermarket trading following the announcement, reflecting strong investor confidence in the company’s future prospects.
“This contract marks an inflection point in Intuitive Machines’ leadership in space communications and navigation,” said Steve Altemus, CEO of Intuitive Machines.
He added that the partnership with NASA would support the Artemis program and help expand the lunar economy.
Intuitive Machines has been playing a key role in NASA’s lunar efforts. In February, its Odysseus spacecraft became the first US commercial spacecraft to land on the Moon in over 50 years, although technical issues limited its scientific output. Despite the challenges, the company’s success with Odysseus underscores NASA’s approach of using cost-effective, private sector missions to pave the way for more ambitious lunar exploration in the coming years.
