Shares of Intuitive Machines (NASDAQ: LUNR) rose 2% in pre-market trading Wednesday after the company announced it has selected SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket for its fourth lunar delivery mission.
The mission, known as IM-4, is scheduled for 2027. It aims to support NASA’s Near Space Network Services (NSNS) contract by launching two lunar data relay satellites from Florida. These satellites will serve NASA’s communication needs while offering potential services to commercial and government customers.
Intuitive Machines CEO Steve Altemus highlighted the significance of the lunar surface delivery and data relay satellites in the company’s broader strategy to commercialize lunar exploration. He noted that the satellites will be capable of hosting additional payloads, enhancing their overall value.
In addition to the NSNS service, Intuitive Machines plans to introduce a pay-by-the-minute service with its first lunar data relay satellite deployment on its third mission. Future missions, including the IM-4, are expected to scale this service, ultimately completing a constellation of satellites to support NASA and commercial lunar operations.
This latest collaboration with SpaceX reinforces Intuitive Machines’ commitment to the NASA Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative. As part of the program, the company is set to carry six payloads to the Moon, including a drill suite led by the European Space Agency to search for water at the lunar south pole.
Intuitive Machines (NASDAQ: LUNR) has received multiple task orders under NASA’s NSNS contract, which includes providing Direct-to-Earth services and establishing a lunar data relay constellation to aid NASA’s Artemis program.
The announcement of the SpaceX partnership and continued involvement in NASA’s lunar exploration initiatives appears to have bolstered investor confidence, as reflected in the modest uptick in LUNR shares during the trading session.
