NASA Awards $4.8 Billion Lunar Relay Contract to Intuitive Machines

The contract will support communication and navigation services for NASA's Artemis lunar exploration missions.

Intuitive Machines will deploy a satellite constellation to provide communication and navigation services for lunar missions.
The contract, potentially worth up to $4.82 billion, has an initial five-year period starting October 1, 2024, with an option for an additional five years.
These services aim to reduce reliance on NASA's Deep Space Network and enhance mission capabilities for both crewed and robotic lunar landers.
Intuitive Machines' stock surged significantly following the announcement, reflecting investor confidence in the company's future prospects.
The new infrastructure will support NASA's goal of establishing a permanent human presence on the Moon, particularly at the South Pole region.