Intuitive Machines

Intuitive Machines is a space exploration company that made history in February 2024 when its Nova-C lander, Odysseus, successfully completed the first US lunar landing since Apollo 17 in 1972, becoming the first private company to achieve a soft landing on the moon. The company's primary technology is its Nova-C lunar lander, a solar-powered hexagonal cylinder with six landing struts capable of carrying scientific payloads up to 286 pounds. Intuitive Machines operates through four business units: Lunar Access Services, which utilizes its lunar lander for scientific and commercial payload delivery; Lunar Data Services, providing lunar communications, navigation, and imagery services; Orbital Services, focusing on space logistics; and Space Products and Infrastructure, developing propulsion systems and other space technologies. The company reported annual revenue of USD 102 million for 2022, with projections of USD 291 million for 2023, supported by a contract backlog of USD 188 million as of June 2022. In August 2024, Intuitive Machines secured a USD 116.9 million task order from NASA to deliver scientific payloads to the moon's south polar region in 2027. Additionally, in September 2024, the company received a USD 4.8 billion contract to support NASA's future missions in the near space region, which includes developing lunar relay capabilities and navigation services.

Key customers and partnerships

Intuitive Machines has established significant partnerships with NASA through the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, securing multiple contracts for lunar missions. In February 2024, it successfully delivered six NASA payloads to the lunar surface as part of the IM-1 mission. The company has partnered with SpaceX for launch services, utilizing Falcon 9 rockets for its lunar missions. Intuitive Machines has also collaborated with Columbia Sportswear, which provided insulation technology for its lunar lander, and Northrop Grumman to design a Lunar Terrain Vehicle for NASA's Artemis program. The company's customer base includes both government and commercial clients, with the US government representing a majority of its contract backlog.