Intuitive Machines (NASDAQ:LUNR), a Texas-based space exploration company, has been awarded a $30 million contract.
Intuitive Machines had recently made headlines for being the first private US firm to land on the moon. While their landing vehicle toppled (along with the stock price), the firm is back in the news.
The company recently announced it would work with NASA along with several other companies to build and deploy a lunar terrain vehicle. The firm’s stock price surged on the news and was up 10% in premarket trading at the time of writing. LUNR opened the year trading at $2.63 and is up approximately 153% YTD.
NASA to Work With Texas-Based Intuitive Machines on Creating and Deploying a Lunar Terrain Vehicle
NASA has entrusted Intuitive Machines, a Texas-based space exploration company, with a pivotal role as the prime contractor for a Lunar Terrain Vehicle Services Feasibility Assessment, a $30 million contract.
This task involves developing a roadmap for creating and deploying a Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) on the Moon, utilizing Intuitive Machines’ Nova-D cargo-class lunar lander. This contract is a crucial part of NASA’s larger $4.6 billion LTV Services project, which is set to bolster the Artemis campaign for lunar exploration.
Intuitive Machines CEO Steve Altemus emphasized the project’s alignment with the company’s capabilities in lunar payload delivery and the opportunity to retain vehicle ownership for commercial use.
The Moon Reusable Autonomous Crewed Exploration Rover (RACER) team, consisting of global partners such as AVL, Boeing (NYSE:BA), Michelin (EPA:MICP), and Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC), will provide design and technology support for the project. Key highlights include advanced power management, autonomous driving, and navigation systems tailored to the lunar environment.
Intuitive Machines plans to leverage its experience in lunar surface data delivery to lead systems integration, spacecraft design, and mission planning, among other contributions. Participation in this project is a stepping stone to more significant roles in lunar exploration and infrastructure development. The LTV Services project is critical to returning humans to the lunar surface and showcases American leadership in space exploration.
Recent LUNR Stock Performance
The company’s recent stock performance has shown promising signs, with a price of $5.98 at Wednesday’s close, marking a decrease of $0.37 (-5.83%) from the previous close. However, the stock is up in the pre-market today with an increase of $0.62 (+10.37%).
Intuitive Machines’ market capitalization is $324.902 million, with a PE ratio (TTM) of 2.98 and EPS (TTM) of $2.01. Analysts have set a 1-year target estimate for the stock at $12.25, indicating a potential for significant upside from the current price.
The company operates across four business units: Lunar Access Services, Orbital Services, Lunar Data Services, and Space Products and Infrastructure, reflecting a diversified approach to space exploration infrastructure and services.
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Neither the author, Tim Fries, nor this website, The Tokenist, provide financial advice. Please consult our website policy prior to making financial decisions.
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