Intuitive Machines Secures $180.4 Million NASA Contract
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Aug 29 2024
0mins
Should l Buy LUNR?
Intuitive Machines Inc's stock price increased by 5.04% as it crossed above the 5-day SMA, reflecting strong investor interest in the aerospace sector.
The company secured a significant $180.4 million contract with NASA to deliver payloads through its Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, enhancing its role in the Artemis program. This contract approval comes amid a broader surge in space stocks following SpaceX's IPO filing, which has positively influenced market sentiment towards aerospace companies.
With a projected revenue of $207.13 million for 2025, despite a slight decline from 2024, Intuitive Machines is well-positioned financially with $582.6 million in cash. This strong financial backing supports its future growth and expansion in the competitive space industry.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy LUNR?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on LUNR
Wall Street analysts forecast LUNR stock price to fall
10 Analyst Rating
8 Buy
1 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 25.350
Low
9.50
Averages
17.74
High
25.00
Current: 25.350
Low
9.50
Averages
17.74
High
25.00
About LUNR
Intuitive Machines, Inc. is a space technology, infrastructure, and services company. It is a provider and supplier of space products and services that enable sustained robotic and human exploration to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Its services include delivery services, data transmission services, and infrastructure as a service. Its delivery services provide transportation and delivery of payloads, such as satellites, scientific instruments and cargo to various destinations in space, in addition to rideshare delivery and lunar surface access. Its data transmission services offerings include the collection, processing, and interpretation of space-based data, utilizing applications, such as command, control, communications, reconnaissance and prospecting. Its infrastructure as a service delivers space assets, performing tasks and making decisions without human intervention that are designed to perform essential functions, such as navigation, scientific data collection, and others.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Intuitive Machines to Release Q1 2026 Financial Results on May 14
- Earnings Release Schedule: Intuitive Machines will announce its Q1 2026 financial results on May 14, 2026, before market opening, reflecting the company's commitment to transparency and investor communication.
- Conference Call Details: Following the earnings release, the company will host a conference call at 8:30 AM ET on the same day, allowing investors to dial in at (800) 715-9871 to further analyze financial performance and future outlook.
- Webcast Replay Availability: After the call, investors can access a webcast replay on the investor section of the company's website, ensuring that those unable to participate live can still obtain critical information.
- Company Background Overview: Intuitive Machines is a leading space infrastructure company that has successfully built over 300 spacecraft and delivered over 260 kilograms of payload to the lunar surface, showcasing its strong capabilities and market position in the space domain.
See More
FCC Updates Rules to Enhance Space Broadband Capacity
- Capacity Enhancement: The FCC's revised spectrum-sharing rules are expected to enable up to seven times more capacity for space broadband networks, unlocking over $2 billion in economic benefits, thereby driving growth for companies involved in satellite internet and related infrastructure.
- Updated Technical Standards: The new regulations allow satellite operators to coordinate interference protection using modern technical standards, replacing outdated systems that limited transmission power for low-Earth orbit satellites, thus facilitating the rollout of faster, lower-latency satellite internet in rural areas.
- AST SpaceMobile Expansion Plans: AST SpaceMobile has received FCC approval to deploy 223 additional satellites to enhance its network, with plans to launch 45 satellites this year, further promoting mobile connectivity services from orbit.
- Positive Market Reaction: Following the regulatory update, space stocks such as Rocket Lab, AST SpaceMobile, Firefly Aerospace, and Intuitive Machines saw significant gains, reflecting market optimism about the future of space broadband, with RKLB rising 7% and ASTS increasing by 6%.
See More
Amazon Drives Growth in Satellite Phone Market
- Surge in Demand: Amazon CEO Andy Jassy highlighted during the earnings call that rising expectations for seamless global connectivity are driving demand for satellite phones, particularly in remote areas, indicating a significant market opportunity.
- Competitive Landscape: AT&T CEO John Stankey stated that the U.S. satellite phone market is likely to support multiple low-Earth orbit constellation providers rather than a single dominant operator, suggesting increased competition in the sector.
- FCC Authorization for ASTS: AST SpaceMobile has received authorization from the FCC to deploy 223 satellites to support its coverage network, further solidifying its position within the emerging hybrid terrestrial-satellite coverage model.
- Rising Investor Interest: As demand for direct-to-device connectivity increases, investor interest in space ecosystem companies, including ASTS, RKLB, FLY, and LUNR, is on the rise, reflecting optimistic market expectations for future growth.
See More
Trump Plans $1.5 Trillion Defense Budget with $71.1 Billion for Space Force
- Defense Budget Overview: President Trump plans to allocate $1.5 trillion for defense in 2027, with $71.1 billion earmarked for the U.S. Space Force, aiming to enhance national security and space defense capabilities.
- Andromeda Program: The newly introduced Andromeda program will invest $1.8 billion to track all activities in geosynchronous orbit, with plans to launch small satellites by 2030 to perform surveillance tasks, thereby improving U.S. monitoring capabilities in space.
- List of Participating Companies: The program will award task orders to 14 space companies, including well-known firms like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, as well as lesser-known entities such as General Atomics and Sierra Space, showcasing a diverse range of participants.
- Anduril's Role: Anduril Industries, known for its low-cost drones and advanced space vehicles, plans to demonstrate its capabilities in space by 2026, potentially becoming a key partner in the Andromeda program and further advancing space monitoring technology.
See More
Pentagon Awards $1.8 Billion Contracts to Space Companies
- Significant Contract Value: The Pentagon awarded contracts totaling $1.8 billion to 14 space companies this month, aimed at supporting U.S. military activities in geosynchronous orbit, reflecting the government's commitment to space defense.
- Investment in Space Control: As part of President Trump's plan to allocate $1.5 trillion for defense by 2027, $71.1 billion will go directly to the U.S. Space Force, with $21.6 billion earmarked for 'space control' to protect U.S. satellites and deter hostile nations.
- Andromeda Program: The newly launched Andromeda program aims to establish small satellites for 'neighborhood watch' duties over the next decade, with plans to deploy these satellites into orbit by 2030, enhancing U.S. monitoring capabilities in space.
- Anduril's Involvement: Anduril Industries, known for its low-cost drone manufacturing, is actively engaging in the space sector with its small space division focused on developing advanced autonomous space vehicles, expected to demonstrate its capabilities in space domain awareness by 2026.
See More
Jim Cramer's Insights on Various Stocks
- Joby Aviation Risk Assessment: Joby Aviation is deemed too risky, with analysts advising new investors to be cautious to avoid disappointment from potential stock price drops, which could hinder its ability to attract new investors.
- BillionToOne Potential: Despite the overall poor performance of diagnostic companies, BillionToOne is viewed as a potential winner, with analysts believing its future performance is promising, which may draw more investor interest in its stock.
- Boston Scientific Competitive Pressure: Boston Scientific faces intense competition, with analysts noting that its market position is under threat; however, there is still potential for a rebound, prompting investors to watch for a price bottom before deciding to buy.
- Rocket Lab Investment Opportunity: Rocket Lab is considered a speculative stock worth investing in, with analysts optimistic about its future performance, especially leading up to the SpaceX IPO, which could attract more speculative investments.
See More
Intuitive Machines to Release Q1 2026 Financial Results on May 14
- Earnings Release Schedule: Intuitive Machines will announce its Q1 2026 financial results on May 14, 2026, before market opening, reflecting the company's commitment to transparency and investor communication.
- Conference Call Details: Following the earnings release, the company will host a conference call at 8:30 AM ET on the same day, allowing investors to dial in at (800) 715-9871 to further analyze financial performance and future outlook.
- Webcast Replay Availability: After the call, investors can access a webcast replay on the investor section of the company's website, ensuring that those unable to participate live can still obtain critical information.
- Company Background Overview: Intuitive Machines is a leading space infrastructure company that has successfully built over 300 spacecraft and delivered over 260 kilograms of payload to the lunar surface, showcasing its strong capabilities and market position in the space domain.
See More
FCC Updates Rules to Enhance Space Broadband Capacity
- Capacity Enhancement: The FCC's revised spectrum-sharing rules are expected to enable up to seven times more capacity for space broadband networks, unlocking over $2 billion in economic benefits, thereby driving growth for companies involved in satellite internet and related infrastructure.
- Updated Technical Standards: The new regulations allow satellite operators to coordinate interference protection using modern technical standards, replacing outdated systems that limited transmission power for low-Earth orbit satellites, thus facilitating the rollout of faster, lower-latency satellite internet in rural areas.
- AST SpaceMobile Expansion Plans: AST SpaceMobile has received FCC approval to deploy 223 additional satellites to enhance its network, with plans to launch 45 satellites this year, further promoting mobile connectivity services from orbit.
- Positive Market Reaction: Following the regulatory update, space stocks such as Rocket Lab, AST SpaceMobile, Firefly Aerospace, and Intuitive Machines saw significant gains, reflecting market optimism about the future of space broadband, with RKLB rising 7% and ASTS increasing by 6%.
See More
Amazon Drives Growth in Satellite Phone Market
- Surge in Demand: Amazon CEO Andy Jassy highlighted during the earnings call that rising expectations for seamless global connectivity are driving demand for satellite phones, particularly in remote areas, indicating a significant market opportunity.
- Competitive Landscape: AT&T CEO John Stankey stated that the U.S. satellite phone market is likely to support multiple low-Earth orbit constellation providers rather than a single dominant operator, suggesting increased competition in the sector.
- FCC Authorization for ASTS: AST SpaceMobile has received authorization from the FCC to deploy 223 satellites to support its coverage network, further solidifying its position within the emerging hybrid terrestrial-satellite coverage model.
- Rising Investor Interest: As demand for direct-to-device connectivity increases, investor interest in space ecosystem companies, including ASTS, RKLB, FLY, and LUNR, is on the rise, reflecting optimistic market expectations for future growth.
See More
Trump Plans $1.5 Trillion Defense Budget with $71.1 Billion for Space Force
- Defense Budget Overview: President Trump plans to allocate $1.5 trillion for defense in 2027, with $71.1 billion earmarked for the U.S. Space Force, aiming to enhance national security and space defense capabilities.
- Andromeda Program: The newly introduced Andromeda program will invest $1.8 billion to track all activities in geosynchronous orbit, with plans to launch small satellites by 2030 to perform surveillance tasks, thereby improving U.S. monitoring capabilities in space.
- List of Participating Companies: The program will award task orders to 14 space companies, including well-known firms like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, as well as lesser-known entities such as General Atomics and Sierra Space, showcasing a diverse range of participants.
- Anduril's Role: Anduril Industries, known for its low-cost drones and advanced space vehicles, plans to demonstrate its capabilities in space by 2026, potentially becoming a key partner in the Andromeda program and further advancing space monitoring technology.
See More
Pentagon Awards $1.8 Billion Contracts to Space Companies
- Significant Contract Value: The Pentagon awarded contracts totaling $1.8 billion to 14 space companies this month, aimed at supporting U.S. military activities in geosynchronous orbit, reflecting the government's commitment to space defense.
- Investment in Space Control: As part of President Trump's plan to allocate $1.5 trillion for defense by 2027, $71.1 billion will go directly to the U.S. Space Force, with $21.6 billion earmarked for 'space control' to protect U.S. satellites and deter hostile nations.
- Andromeda Program: The newly launched Andromeda program aims to establish small satellites for 'neighborhood watch' duties over the next decade, with plans to deploy these satellites into orbit by 2030, enhancing U.S. monitoring capabilities in space.
- Anduril's Involvement: Anduril Industries, known for its low-cost drone manufacturing, is actively engaging in the space sector with its small space division focused on developing advanced autonomous space vehicles, expected to demonstrate its capabilities in space domain awareness by 2026.
See More
Jim Cramer's Insights on Various Stocks
- Joby Aviation Risk Assessment: Joby Aviation is deemed too risky, with analysts advising new investors to be cautious to avoid disappointment from potential stock price drops, which could hinder its ability to attract new investors.
- BillionToOne Potential: Despite the overall poor performance of diagnostic companies, BillionToOne is viewed as a potential winner, with analysts believing its future performance is promising, which may draw more investor interest in its stock.
- Boston Scientific Competitive Pressure: Boston Scientific faces intense competition, with analysts noting that its market position is under threat; however, there is still potential for a rebound, prompting investors to watch for a price bottom before deciding to buy.
- Rocket Lab Investment Opportunity: Rocket Lab is considered a speculative stock worth investing in, with analysts optimistic about its future performance, especially leading up to the SpaceX IPO, which could attract more speculative investments.
See More
