Intuitive Machines’ Stock Soars with $4.8 Billion NASA Lunar Contract

Intuitive Machines' stock soared following a $4.8 billion NASA contract for lunar communication services, marking a significant expansion into space communications and promising new business opportunities.
SummaryIntuitive Machines’ stock surged by 60% following NASA’s announcement of a $4.8 billion contract to provide communication services to the moon from 2024 to 2029, with an option to extend until 2034. This contract, named “GEO to Cislunar Relay Services,” involves establishing communication relays between geostationary orbit and the moon, alleviating NASA’s communication load. This marks a new venture into space communications for Intuitive Machines, potentially opening a billion-dollar annual business. The Motley Fool highlights the opportunity to invest in high-performing stocks, showcasing the success of past recommendations like Nvidia, Netflix, and Apple.

Intuitive Machines’ Stock Skyrockets

Intuitive Machines experienced a significant surge in its stock value, soaring by 60% within just the first five minutes of trading on Wednesday morning. By 9:35 a.m. ET, the stock had climbed 60.4% following NASA’s announcement of a substantial $4.8 billion moon contract awarded to this emerging space industry leader.

NASA’s Major Contract: GEO to Cislunar Relay Services

The contract, labeled “GEO to Cislunar Relay Services,” is set to provide communication services to the moon from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2029. This agreement includes an option to extend the services for an additional five years, potentially lasting until September 30, 2034.

NASA + LUNR: A Strategic Partnership

NASA has employed Intuitive Machines to deliver critical communication services, including “position, navigation, and timing capabilities.” These services are vital for ensuring safe navigation on and around the lunar surface. Intuitive Machines will facilitate communication relays between geostationary orbit (GEO), located approximately 22,000 miles above Earth’s surface, and the moon, which is roughly 10 times that distance from Earth.

In essence, Intuitive Machines will manage the communication links between Earth, GEO satellites, and the moon. According to NASA’s contract announcement, outsourcing this responsibility to Intuitive Machines will alleviate the communication demands on NASA’s Deep Space Network.

Investment Perspective: Should You Consider Intuitive Machines Stock?

For investors, this development is noteworthy. The contract is not only significantly larger than previous contracts Intuitive Machines has secured from NASA, but it also represents a new area of expertise for the company. Until now, NASA has engaged Intuitive Machines primarily for landing payloads on the moon, a task that Intuitive is uniquely equipped to handle among private companies. With this new contract, Intuitive Machines is expanding into space communications—a sector with the potential to become a billion-dollar annual business for the company.

This development undeniably benefits Intuitive Machines’ stock, making investors’ enthusiasm well-founded.

Investment Opportunity: Doubling Down on High-Performing Stocks

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor has consistently delivered outstanding returns, with an average total return of 755%, significantly outperforming the S&P 500’s 165% since 2002*. The analyst team possesses the expertise to recognize when to double down on investments. Historically, re-recommended stocks have yielded exceptional returns.

Nvidia: A $1,000 investment in 2009 would have grown to $299,706!*

Netflix: A $1,000 investment in 2004 would have reached $381,230!*

Apple: A $1,000 investment in 2008 would now be worth $41,011!*

Currently, “Double Down” alerts are being issued for three remarkable companies, presenting a unique investment opportunity that may not come again soon.

See the stocks ›

*Stock Advisor returns as of 09/19/2024

Henry Lawson
Henry Lawson

Henry Lawson: The Sage of Screen Stories

At 50, Henry Lawson stands as a seasoned pillar in the realm of TV entertainment journalism, offering a wealth of experience and a discerning eye cultivated over decades of reporting. With his distinguished brown hair, now gently touched by the wisdom of silver, Henry has become a trusted name for insightful television news and analysis.

Born and raised in the culturally rich city of New Orleans, Louisiana, Henry's early years were steeped in the vibrant narratives of southern storytelling—a heritage that sparked his lifelong love for the art of narrative. His fascination with television began with classic shows of the '70s and '80s, which he watched with his family, fostering a deep appreciation for the evolution of storytelling on the small screen.

Henry pursued his passion academically at New York University, where he majored in Media Studies. After graduating, he embarked on a storied career that saw him writing for some of the most prestigious entertainment publications in the industry. His articles are known for their depth, blending historical context with current trends to provide a comprehensive view of the ever-evolving television landscape.

Having witnessed the seismic shifts from network dominance to the streaming revolution, Henry has become an authority on the subject, often called upon for his commentary on television panels and podcasts. His work not only covers the latest news but also delves into the cultural impact of television, exploring how it reflects and shapes society.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Henry is a devoted family man. He shares his life with his wife, Clara, a talented painter, and their two children, both of whom have inherited their parents' artistic inclinations. Family movie nights remain a cherished tradition, where classic films and new series alike are enjoyed and discussed in detail.

An avid jazz enthusiast, Henry spends his free time attending local jazz festivals and playing the saxophone, a nod to his New Orleans roots. He also enjoys gardening, finding peace and inspiration in cultivating his backyard oasis, where he often retreats to brainstorm his next article.

Henry Lawson's career is a testament to his enduring passion for television and storytelling. As he continues to chronicle the ever-changing world of TV entertainment, his readers rely on his seasoned perspective to navigate the complex tapestry of stories that captivate audiences around the globe.

Articles: 28