The space race is back but this time, it’s not just NASA leading the charge. As private companies push the boundaries of exploration, one name is making history: Intuitive Machines. With a recent Moon landing, multi-million-dollar NASA contracts, and ambitious plans for the future, is this early-stage space stock a once-in-a-generation opportunity or a high-risk gamble? Here’s what investors need to know.
1960s space exploration reached its pinnacle as humans achieved their lunar exploration milestone. The love for space exploration began fading after years of expectation as governments moved their focus to different directions. Commercial space companies SpaceX and Blue Origin and their advanced technology and far-reaching missions have brought back the public interest in space exploration. The Artemis program of NASA is a renewed space exploration initiative dedicated to returning humans to the Moon by 2027. The commercial Moon exploration sector gained momentum thanks to Intuitive Machines (NASDAQ: LUNR) as it emerged as a major industrial leader. The recent Moon landing achievement by the company represents the first successful American spacecraft descent to the Moon since the 1960s. Investors face uncertainty about Intuitive Machines stock since its quick development has led them to a dilemma between buying it, selling it, or keeping it.
Intuitive Machines Achieves a Historic Milestone
The space product and service company Intuitive Machines entered the market in 2013 as an organization that dedicated its work to lunar exploration and infrastructure development. The company operates Moon transportation services while also enabling scientific payload delivery in lunar orbit as well as on the surface of the Moon. In 2024, Odysseus became a landmark achievement for Intuitive Machines by completing a lunar landing on the Moon. History was made through this notable event which became both the first American-built spacecraft to arrive on the Moon since Apollo and the inaugural commercially developed lander to achieve such a milestone. The mission operating under NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services program proved Intuitive Machines’ technology readiness to advance its position as a major force within the space sector. The achievement of Odysseus made the company the leading player in the commercial space sector, which led to opportunities for profitable contracts.
Major Contracts and Government Support
Following the Odysseus mission, NASA awarded Intuitive Machines several high-value contracts:
1. Lunar Terrain Vehicle Contract ($30 Million):
NASA tapped the company to construct a lunar terrain vehicle that will serve during the Artemis V mission launch in 2030. This vehicle enables space exploration on the Moon terrain to help astronauts research while NASA builds strategic lunar operations for the future.
2. Scientific Payload Mission ($116.9 Million):
Intuitive Machines received a contract from NASA valued at $116.9 million in August 2024 for the transportation of six scientific and technological payloads to the lunar south pole region. NASA targets exploration of the rugged icy terrain to search for necessary chemical compounds along with water that could facilitate future lunar habitation.
3. Lunar Communication & Navigation Contract (Up to $4.82 Billion):
In September, Intuitive Machines obtained a multi-billion-dollar contract that could become worth $4.82 billion during the next ten years. Lunar relay satellites will serve as part of NASA’s Artemis program by providing communications and navigation capabilities according to this contract. Successful execution of this project would transform Intuitive Machines into a dominant supplier of lunar infrastructure.
By signing these agreements, the company establishes its position in lunar exploration for the future while revealing that its projects will span over extended periods. The revenue advantages of these contracts depend on having the patience to tolerate several years of development and execution periods.
What’s Next for Intuitive Machines?
The upcoming IM-2 mission of the company is scheduled to launch in late February 2025 and will begin its flight window from February 26. Intuitive Machines plans to deploy another lander at the south polar region of the Moon through this upcoming mission, which includes equipment for a drill and mass spectrometry to study the lunar terrain and locate water ice. The company plans to launch IM-3 as its upcoming mission during 2026. Successful completion of these missions will strengthen Intuitive Machines’ technology framework to secure additional contracts from government entities and commercial markets.
Should You Buy, Sell, or Hold Intuitive Machines Stock?
In a brief period, Intuitive Machines has achieved impressive accomplishments through achieving landmark spaceflight milestones while obtaining substantial contracts for its operations. The company demonstrates strong growth potential through its exceptional achievements while investors need to acknowledge ongoing operational dangers.
Reasons to Buy
The company dominates commercial Moon missions because it stands among the minority of businesses that successfully conduct lunar missions while capitalizing on its position as the market leader. The company receives ongoing support from the government through multiple contracts awarded by NASA, which demonstrates its capabilities. The space economy expansion creates optimal conditions for Intuitive Machines to grow because lunar transportation and infrastructure service requirements will increase during the next few years.
Reasons to Sell or Hold
The early phase development status of Intuitive Machines creates conditions of high risk and high reward because its success requires consistent execution of complex operations. Most of its contracts, including the Artemis V lunar terrain vehicle, extend into the 2030s before producing revenue as the company handles long development timescales. Short-term investors who prioritize stability should avoid the company stock because its market value exhibits significant fluctuations.
Final Verdict
The purchase, sale or maintenance of shares in Intuitive Machines depends on individual risk capacity and time spent investing. Investors with long-term investment horizons should consider dollar-cost averaging into the stock because it represents a good way to enter the expanding space market. Those who need steady returns or choose investments with minimal risks should consider the uncertain business timeline and market fluctuations at Intuitive Machines before making a decision. All investments need substantial research and complete awareness of associated risks. Potential investors in lunar exploration who plan for market instability should consider Intuitive Machines as a platform for long-term success in the growing space economy.
