Intuitive Machines, Inc. (Nasdaq: LUNR, LUNRW), a leading space exploration and services company, has announced new contract awards from NASA’s Near Space Network (NSN) to provide Direct-to-Earth (DTE) communication and navigation services. These agreements solidify the company’s role as a critical partner in NASA’s lunar and deep space exploration initiatives.
The newly secured contracts are firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity task orders, aimed at bolstering NASA’s Lunar Exploration Ground Segment. The awards include:
- Subcategory 1.2: DTE Geostationary (GEO) to Cislunar DTE Services – Enhancing data transmission and autonomous operational capabilities for missions between Earth and lunar destinations.
- Subcategory 1.3: xCislunar DTE Services – Addressing communication needs for highly elliptical orbits and deep space missions.
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These contracts are designed to alleviate demand on NASA’s Deep Space Network and cater to specialized mission requirements, supporting the Artemis program and expanding the lunar economy.
In September, Intuitive Machines was awarded a separate NSN Subcategory 2.2 contract to deploy and operate a constellation of lunar data relay satellites. These recent awards complement the company’s existing contracts and further establish its position as a key player in space communication and navigation services.
“We are privileged to help NASA deliver essential data and transmission services that support missions navigating the critical pathways between Earth, the Moon, and beyond,” said Intuitive Machines CEO Steve Altemus.
Altemus highlighted that the new contracts align with the company’s strategy to leverage its proven DTE lunar data transmission network, supported by global agreements with strategically located radio astronomy facilities.
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During its first lunar mission, Intuitive Machines successfully transmitted data from beyond Earth’s orbit, including around and on the Moon. These achievements underscore the company’s technical expertise and reliability in delivering advanced space communication solutions.
The projects span from February 2025 to September 2029, with an additional five-year option that could extend the contracts through September 2034. These awards contribute to the $4.82 billion maximum potential value of the overall NSN contracts, providing significant opportunities for Intuitive Machines to expand its service offerings.
The contracts reinforce NASA’s efforts to establish sustainable lunar exploration and pave the way for future deep space missions. By supporting the Artemis campaign and advancing commercial partnerships, Intuitive Machines continues to play a pivotal role in the next chapter of space exploration.
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