Lunar Telescope Planned to Eye Milky Way Galaxy Center:http://www.leonarddavid.com/lunar-telescope-planned-to-eye-milky-way-galaxy-center/Quote from: Leonard DavidA telescope is on tap for the Moon’s Schroter’s Valley and aims to capture images of the Milky Way Galaxy Center from the lunar surface.The International Lunar Observatory Association (ILOA Hawaii) has contracted Intuitive Machines of Houston Texas to fly its ILO-X payload on the IM-1 Nova-C lander mission set to launch in the fourth quarter of 2021 on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
A telescope is on tap for the Moon’s Schroter’s Valley and aims to capture images of the Milky Way Galaxy Center from the lunar surface.The International Lunar Observatory Association (ILOA Hawaii) has contracted Intuitive Machines of Houston Texas to fly its ILO-X payload on the IM-1 Nova-C lander mission set to launch in the fourth quarter of 2021 on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
Intuitive Machines selects SpaceX to launch its IM-2 Polar Moon mission no earlier than 2022 using a Falcon 9 rocket:
Quote from: Space Australia@CSIRO & @Int_Machines have just signed a 5-yr contract — to use the iconic Parkes radio telescope for upcoming exploration Moon missions as part of @NASA's CLPS starting late 2021.https://spaceaustralia.com/news/parkes-radio-telescope-assist-commercial-lunar-missions
@CSIRO & @Int_Machines have just signed a 5-yr contract — to use the iconic Parkes radio telescope for upcoming exploration Moon missions as part of @NASA's CLPS starting late 2021.
The first lunar lander mission by Intuitive Machines, which had been scheduled for launch late this year, has been delayed to early 2022 by its launch provider, SpaceX.
There's really enough information here to be able to demodulate and decode their telemetry stream if anyone has the antennas up for it
In late 2022, an Intuitive Machines Nova-C lander will carry several payloads, including a Nokia LTE/4G communications system to the lunar South Pole. This system will allow the Nova-C lander to provide a wireless communications network on the lunar surface and act as a communications gateway to Earth. Nova-C will also carry Lunar Outpost’s M1 Mobile Autonomous Prospecting Platform (MAPP) rover, equipped with Nokia’s LTE/4G user equipment and deployable antennas. Once on the lunar surface, MAPP will drive off the lander, entering an extremely compelling and demanding lunar environment to study the capabilities of Nokia’s lunar LTE/4G communications system. Over the course of its 12-day mission, MAPP will traverse the lunar surface and enable Nokia to collect performance data on its LTE/4G system.
https://twitter.com/Int_Machines/status/1486443848213610498
SAVING EARTH'S DATA ONE BYTE AT A TIMELonestar contracts with Intuitive Machines and Skycorp to bring key data storage and edge processing infrastructure to the world from the Moon.ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., April 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Lonestar Data Holdings Inc. announced today that it is launching a series of data centers to the lunar surface and has contracted for its first two missions to the lunar surface and for the build of its first data services payload, the first data center to the Moon.The VC funded startup is revolutionizing data services and communications from Earth's largest satellite, the Moon, by providing a platform for critical data infrastructure, and edge processing, further leveraging its ITU spectrum filings to enable broadband communications. Lonestar sees the Moon as the ideal location to serve the premium segment of the $200 billion global data storage industry while addressing key environmental and growing biosphere concerns triggered by the increasing growth of data centers around the world."Data is the greatest currency created by the human race," said Chris Stott, Founder of Lonestar. "We are dependent upon it for nearly everything we do and it is too important to us as a species to store in Earth's ever more fragile biosphere. Earth's largest satellite, our Moon, represents the ideal place to safely store our future."Following the success of the company's groundbreaking edge data center test on the ISS in December 2021, working with Canonical and Redwire, Lonestar is now pressing ahead with the first of its lunar data centers.Lonestar has contracted to perform a series of advanced service tests on Intuitive Machines' IM-1 mission, which is headed near Marius Hills in the larger Oceanus Procellarum, and then to fly their first full data services payload on Intuitive Machine's IM-2 to the lunar pole. Lonestar has also made the necessary spectrum filings for its missions from the ITU with the Moon as their focus."Our turnkey solution for delivering, communicating, and commanding customer payloads on and around the Moon is revolutionary," said Steve Altemus, President, and CEO of Intuitive Machines." Adding Lonestar Data Holdings and other commercial payloads to our lunar missions are critical steps toward Intuitive Machines creating and defining the lunar economy.The build of the first ever data center payload for Lonestar's proof-of-concept service has been contracted with Skycorp."Skycorp is pleased to be able to provide our advanced multi-core RISC-V in space server architecture to the forward thinking team at Lonestar," said Dennis Wingo, CEO and Founder of Skycorp. "Our system is currently operating as the world's first web server on the International Space Station and we look forward to supporting Lonestar in their groundbreaking Lunar application next year."Founded by Chris Stott, former CEO of ManSat, Mark Matossian, previously CEO of Iceye US and Head of Data Center Hardware Manufacturing at Google, Carol Goldstein, former ABN AMRO and Morgan Stanley banker, and Del Smith, former Senior Space Business Counsel at Dentons, Lonestar draws from a deep well of experienced leaders from both cloud and space industries.Lonestar is a rapidly growing VC funded lunar startup. The company's Seed round is being led by Scout Ventures, and has been joined by Seldor Capital and 2 Future Holding.Believing both form and function are important as the world's data takes this next giant leap, Lonestar is also working with world renowned architectural firm, BIG, for the exterior design of their first lunar data center.Media Inquiries:Jennifer Thompson[email protected]+1 (503) 724-4076About Lonestar - Saving Earth's Data One Byte at a TimeLonestar Data Holdings Inc. (Lonestar®), headquartered in St Petersburg's Maritime and Defense Technology Hub, has been founded by a proven team of experts from the Cloud and Space verticals to pioneer a future for data at the edge for all of us. Lonestar is fueled by remarkable and visionary investors led by Scout Ventures, Seldor Capital, and 2 Future Holding.
News from the current Lunar Surface Science Workshop just a few minutes ago: Lunar Flashlight, bumped from Artemis-1 as not ready in time, is now manifested as a secondary payload on IM-1 in the 4th quarter of this year. Stated by Barbara Cohen, who should know.
Quote from: Phil Stooke on 05/10/2022 04:05 pmNews from the current Lunar Surface Science Workshop just a few minutes ago: Lunar Flashlight, bumped from Artemis-1 as not ready in time, is now manifested as a secondary payload on IM-1 in the 4th quarter of this year. Stated by Barbara Cohen, who should know.Amusingly. Lunar Flashlight might get to the Moon before Artemis I fly.It helps using a reputable flight proven launcher.
On our second mission, we'll land and deploy a small rocket-fueled drone, which will use its thrusters to hop across the lunar surface - then, for the 1st time ever, descend into pitch black craters. What will we see? 👀gifs only
Commercial Lunar Network Completed Ahead of IM-1 Moon MissionTeams from Intuitive Machines and five space antenna ground stations validated the complete lunar communications solution required for Intuitive Machines’ first mission to the Moon, IM-1.Under an agreement with NASA and as part of a Live Sky exercise of Intuitive Machines Lunar Telemetry and Tracking Network (LTN), Intuitive Machines personnel utilized each of the IM-1 required deep space antennas to acquireand track NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) from Intuitive Machines’ Nova Control in Houston, Texas.“Completing these exercises with a spacecraft currently orbiting the Moon proves that our network is prepared for our first mission,” said Brian Mader, Intuitive Machines Mission Operations Engineer. “It’s incredible; the Intuitive Machines and ground station teams are laying the critical infrastructure to support a growing lunar economy.”Contact: Josh Marshall[email protected]
https://twitter.com/Int_Machines/status/1533863539336781825QuoteOn our second mission, we'll land and deploy a small rocket-fueled drone, which will use its thrusters to hop across the lunar surface - then, for the 1st time ever, descend into pitch black craters. What will we see? gifs only
On our second mission, we'll land and deploy a small rocket-fueled drone, which will use its thrusters to hop across the lunar surface - then, for the 1st time ever, descend into pitch black craters. What will we see? gifs only
Intuitive Machines, a premiere space exploration company, plans to go public through a business combination with Inflection Point Acquisition Company $IPAX to accelerate growth in the lunar economy. Read the full press release here for additional details:https://www.intuitivemachines.com/investors
🚀+🔥=🍾Christening the "Flame Range" *Not Pictured* -Rocket Engine Petting Zoo (coming soon)
Inflection Point Acquisition Corp., the SPAC merging with lunar lander developer Intuitive Machines, has set Feb. 8 for a shareholder vote on the merger, according to a prospectus filed with the SEC. https://sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1844452/000121390023004867/f424b30123_inflectionpoint.htm
The announcement did not disclose a specific landing site, but company spokesperson Josh Marshall told SpaceNews that the new landing site is at Malapert A, a crater near the south pole previously identified as a potential landing site for lunar expeditions. He confirmed that NASA requested the change in the landing site.[...]Marshall said that NASA is increasing the value of the CLPS task order to accommodate the change, but deferred questions about the revised dollar value to NASA.[...]The company announcement also stated that the landing is now planned for late June.
Intuitive Machines (@Nasdaq: LUNR) is ringing the opening bell in New York. Our live stream:
Commercial lunar lander company Intuitive Machines has completed its merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), raising far less money than originally anticipated.<snip>The companies announced the merger in September 2022, long after the mania surrounding SPACs has cooled both in the space industry and the overall market. Inflection Point had $301 million of cash in trust, and the companies said they had arranged an additional $55 million in investment from the SPAC’s sponsors and a founder of Intuitive Machines, along with $50 million CF Principal Investments LLC, an affiliate of Cantor Fitzgerald & Company. In an investor presentation linked to the merger announcement, the companies anticipated having more than $330 million in cash after transaction expenses.However, in the Feb. 13 announcement that the merger had closed, the companies announced only $55 million of “committed capital from an affiliate of its sponsor and company founders.” The companies did not mention any proceeds of the SPAC itself, which could have been depleted by redemptions, where SPAC shareholders request their money back rather than hold stock in the merged company.
NASA Selects Intuitive Machines Team to Develop Survive the Lunar Night Technology:https://www.intuitivemachines.com/post/nasa-selects-intuitive-machines-team-to-develop-survive-the-lunar-night-technologyhttps://twitter.com/Int_Machines/status/1683939550878633984
Buying down exploration technology risk isn't simple, but serves as a key element to continuously moving forward. For our part, we have chosen a liquid Oxygen/Methane propulsion system; it could be the first use of cryogenic propellants for a planetary lander.
What are you guys using for on-surface lighting? Halogen? LEDs?
We intend to use sun and a small series of LED lights near the camera system.
Intuitive Machines Reports Second Quarter 2023 Financial Results and Announces Expected Launch of First Lunar MissionAugust 14, 2023 at 4:02 PM EDTReceived launch manifest date for first lunar mission, November 15th to 20th.Completed lunar lander full assembly with expected readiness for shipment to Cape Canaveral, Florida, by September 15th.Submitted more than $3 billion in proposals since the first quarter, including diverse product lines across the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, and NASA.Started internal transition execution for NASA’s five-year $719 million Omnibus Multi-Engineering Services (“OMES”) III contract award to deliver on-orbit services to the Joint Polar Satellite System.Validated the Company’s Nuclear in-space venture with NASA Space Technology and Mission Directorate (“STMD”) Tipping Point initiative award in July for the development of a Radioisotope Power System (“RPS”) that may enable assets to survive and operate during the lunar night.HOUSTON, Aug. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Intuitive Machines, Inc. (Nasdaq: LUNR, “Intuitive Machines,” or the “Company”), a leading space exploration, infrastructure, and services company, today announced its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2023.Intuitive Machines CEO Steve Altemus said, “During the second quarter, we were laser-focused on the final assembly process in preparing IM-1 for launch. Our lunar lander is complete and will be prepared for delivery in September. The Company has secured a launch window from pad 39A, preserving a six-day launch window starting on November 15th.”Mr. Altemus continued, “Progress continues throughout the Company; we’re building the primary IM-2 structure, integrating payloads and mechanisms to the second lander; while the Company transitions into its new Lunar Production and Operations Center at the Houston Spaceport. The City of Houston and the Houston Airport System helped finance the Company’s $40 million facility, designed to support NASA’s $93 billion Artemis program and growing commercial demand for space products and infrastructure, orbital services, lunar access services, and lunar data services.”Operational HighlightsCompleted main engine vibration and main propulsion system acceptance testing to certify Nova-C’s, IM-1 lunar mission spacecraft flight-ready status.Completed a comprehensive spacecraft test, including an engine test firing on IM-1.Integrated NASA’s TRIDENT lunar ice drill to the IM-2 lunar lander.Completed payload deployment mechanisms for IM-2 with the anticipated completion of our rocket-fueled drone, Micro Nova, in September.Expected grand opening of the Company’s Lunar Production and Operations Center at the Houston Spaceport is planned for September 29, 2023.Submitted proposal for NASA’s Near Space Network Services (NSNS) to provide Lunar distance communications to and from earth as well as data relay services around the Moon.Submitted proposal for NASA’s Lunar Terrain Vehicle Services (“LTVS”) bid as the Moon Reusable Autonomous Crewed Exploration Rover (“RACER”) Team to develop NASA’s next-generation Lunar Terrain Vehicle for exploration and development of the south pole region of the Moon.Second Quarter 2023 Financial and Business HighlightsContracted backlog of $137.3 million at quarter-end.Second quarter 2023 revenue of $18.0 million, driven primarily by three NASA Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative contracts within the Company’s lunar access services, compared to $19.2 million in the prior year end.Second quarter 2023 operating loss of $(13.2) million versus $(2.2) million in the prior year period.Ending cash balance of $39.1 million as of the end of the second quarter.Appointed Nicole Seligman to the Intuitive Machines Board of Directors. Ms. Seligman’s distinguished career has included senior leadership roles in global public companies.2023 OutlookGiven delays to government customer acquisition timelines, U.S. federal budget uncertainty and the uncertain cadence of new contractual awards, we are withdrawing our previously issued financial guidance for full year 2023. This is not a result of the loss of any anticipated material government customer commitments or contract awards.Mr. Altemus stated, “While we continue to work toward our milestones, the Company is taking steps to positively mitigate the effects of outside-controlled program delays and higher-priority launch pad congestion while retaining the integrity of our long-term growth plan. Concurrently, we are also pursuing opportunities to diversify the Company’s revenue streams. We have submitted more than $3 billion in proposals spread across the aerospace and defense sectors, including human spaceflight.”Conference Call InformationIntuitive Machines will host a conference call today, August 14, 2023, at 4:30 pm Eastern Time to discuss these results. Participants may access the call at 1-877-451-6152, international callers may use 1-201-389-0879, and request to join the Intuitive Machines earnings call. A link to the live webcast of the earnings conference call will be made available on the investors portion of the Intuitive Machines’ website at https://investors.intuitivemachines.com.Following the conference call, participants may access the telephonic replay at 1-844-512-2921, international callers may use 1-412-317-6671, and enter access code 13740192. A webcast replay will be available through the same link on the investors portion of the Intuitive Machines’ website at https://investors.intuitivemachines.com.Key Business Metrics and Non-GAAP Financial MeasuresIn addition to the GAAP financial measures set forth in this press release, the Company has included certain financial measures that have not been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and constitute “non-GAAP financial measures” as defined by the SEC. This includes adjusted EBITDA (“Adjusted EBITDA”).Adjusted EBITDA is a key performance measure that our management team uses to assess the Company’s operating performance and is calculated as net income (loss) excluding results from non-operating sources including interest income, interest expense, gain on extinguishing of debt, share based compensation, change in fair value instruments, depreciation, and provision for income taxes. Intuitive Machines has included Adjusted EBITDA because we believe it is helpful in highlighting trends in the Company’s operating results and because it is frequently used by analysts, investors, and other interested parties to evaluate companies in our industry.Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical measure, and investors should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the Company’s results as reported under GAAP. Other companies, including companies in Intuitive Machines’ industry, may calculate Adjusted EBITDA differently, which reduces its usefulness as a comparative measure. Because of these limitations, you should consider Adjusted EBITDA alongside other financial performance measures, including various cash flow metrics, net income (loss) and our other GAAP results. A reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is included below under the heading “Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measure.”The Company has also included contracted backlog, which is defined as the total estimate of the revenue the Company expects to realize in the future as a result of performing work on awarded contracts, less the amount of revenue the Company has previously recognized. Intuitive Machines monitors its backlog because we believe it is a forward-looking indicator of potential sales which can be helpful to investors in evaluating the performance of its business and identifying trends over time.
Does anyone here know the mass of the fuel, liquid methane and oxygen, on IM-1?Gunters has a launch mass of 1908 kg.NASA GSFC also says 1908 kg and lists the thrust as 3100 N but has no more information.Of interest is the mass fraction and Isp to estimate the total delta-V capacity for another application. ...assuming the IM-1 flight goes well and Intuitive Systems lives to fight another day....
Standing down from tonight’s attempt due to off-nominal methane temperatures prior to stepping into methane load. Now targeting Thursday, February 15 at 1:05 a.m. ET for Falcon 9's launch of the @Int_Machines IM-1 mission from Florida → http://spacex.com/launches
Although I am a big supporter of the policy of NASA buying space science data ftom private companies (I wrote the enabling language in the Commercial Space Act of 1998), I am not happy with the implementation.My take on the implementation: NASA throws money at startups with no track record, and hopes that they can pull off lunar landings with zero experience in space. Giving contracts for companies that haven't even launched a Cubesat is a recipe for disaster.Once enough of these errors result in money thrown into the trash, I would hope that NASA will simply buy data from private missions, funded by private capital.
T+269: IM-1 and Beyond (with Tim Crain, Co-Founder and CTO of Intuitive Machines)MARCH 7, 2024Tim Crain, Co-Founder and CTO of Intuitive Machines, joins me to talk about their recent IM-1 mission to land Odysseus on the Moon as part of NASA’s CLPS program.
NASA Awards Intuitive Machines Lunar South Pole Research DeliveryTiernan P. DoyleAUG 29, 2024RELEASE24-110NASA HeadquartersA new set of NASA science experiments and technology demonstrations will arrive at the lunar South Pole in 2027 following the agency’s latest CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) initiative delivery award. Intuitive Machines of Houston will receive $116.9 million to deliver six NASA payloads to a part of the Moon where nighttime temperatures are frigid, the terrain is rugged, and the permanently shadowed regions could help reveal the origin of water throughout our solar system.Part of the agency’s broader Artemis campaign, CLPS aims to conduct science on the Moon for the benefit of all, including experiments and demos that support missions with crew on the lunar surface.“This marks the 10th CLPS delivery NASA has awarded, and the fourth planned for delivery to the South Pole of the Moon,” said Joel Kearns, deputy associate administrator for exploration, Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters in Washington. “By supporting a robust cadence of CLPS flights to a variety of locations on the lunar surface, including two flights currently planned by companies for later this year, NASA will explore more of the Moon than ever before.”NASA has awarded Intuitive Machine’s four task orders. The company delivered six NASA payloads to Malapert A in the South Pole region of the Moon in early 2024. With this lunar South Pole delivery, Intuitive Machines will be responsible for payload integration, launch from Earth, safe landing on the Moon, and mission operations.“The instruments on this newly awarded flight will help us achieve multiple scientific objectives and strengthen our understanding of the Moon’s environment,” said Chris Culbert, manager of the CLPS initiative at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. “For example, they’ll help answer key questions about where volatiles – such as water, ice, or gas – are found on the lunar surface and measure radiation in the South Pole region, which could advance our exploration efforts on the Moon and help us with continued exploration of Mars.”The instruments, collectively expected to be about 174 pounds (79 kilograms) in mass, include:The Lunar Explorer Instrument for Space Biology Applications will deliver yeast to the lunar surface and study its response to radiation and lunar gravity. The payload is managed by NASA’s Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley, California.Package for Resource Observation and In-Situ Prospecting for Exploration, Characterization and Testing is a suite of instruments that will drill down to 3.3 feet (1 meter) beneath the lunar surface, extract samples, and process them in-situ in a miniaturized laboratory, to identify possible volatiles (water, ice, or gas) trapped at extremely cold temperatures under the surface. This suite is led by ESA (European Space Agency). The Laser Retroreflector Array is a collection of eight retroreflectors that will enable lasers to precisely measure the distance between a spacecraft and the reflector on the lander. The array is a passive optical instrument and will function as a permanent location marker on the Moon for decades to come. The retroflector array is managed by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. The Surface Exosphere Alterations by Landers will investigate the chemical response of lunar regolith to the thermal, physical, and chemical disturbances generated during a landing, and evaluate contaminants injected into the regolith by the lander. It will give insight into how a spacecraft landing might affect the composition of samples collected nearby. This payload is managed by NASA Goddard.The Fluxgate Magnetometer will characterize certain magnetic fields to improve the understanding of energy and particle pathways at the lunar surface and is managed by NASA Goddard.The Lunar Compact Infrared Imaging System will deploy a radiometer – a device that measures infrared wavelengths of light – to explore the Moon’s surface composition, map its surface temperature distribution, and demonstrate the instrument’s feasibility for future lunar resource utilization activities. The imaging system is managed by the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at the University of Colorado at Boulder.Under CLPS, multiple commercial deliveries to different geographic regions will help NASA conduct science and continue working toward a long-term human presence on the Moon. Future deliveries will include sophisticated science experiments, and technology demonstrations as part of the agency’s Artemis campaign. Two upcoming CLPS flights slated to launch near the end of 2024 will deliver NASA payloads to the Moon’s nearside and South Pole, including the Intuitive Machines-2 delivery of NASA’s first on-site demonstration of searching for water and other chemical compounds 3.3 feet below the surface of the Moon, using a drill and mass spectrometer.Learn more about CLPS and Artemis at:https://www.nasa.gov/clps-end-
An artist’s concept of Intuitive Machines’ Nova-C lunar lander on the Moon’s South Pole.An artist’s concept of Intuitive Machines’ Nova-C lunar lander on the Moon’s South Pole.Credit: Intuitive Machines
NASA has awarded Intuitive Machines a Near Space Network Contract with a maximum potential value of $4.82 billion.As part of the contract, Intuitive Machines will deploy lunar relay satellites and provide communication & navigation services that play an essential role in NASA’s Artemis campaign to establish a long-term presence on the Moon.
NASA Awards Intuitive Machines Near Space Network Contract with a Maximum Potential Value of $4.82 BillionIntuitive Machines, Inc. (Nasdaq: LUNR, LUNRW) (“Intuitive Machines”) (“Company”), a leading space exploration, infrastructure, and services company, today announced NASA has awarded the Company a Near Space Network (“NSN”) contract for communication and navigation services for missions in the near space region, which extends from Earth’s surface to beyond the Moon.This Subcategory 2.2 Geostationary Orbit to Cislunar Relay Services is a new Firm-Fixed-Price, Multiple Award, Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity (“IDIQ”) Task Order Contract. The contract has a base period of five years with an additional five-year option period, with a maximum potential value of $4.82 billion. The incrementally funded base ordering period begins Tuesday, October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2029, with the option period potentially extending the contract through September 30, 2034.“This contract marks an inflection point in Intuitive Machines’ leadership in space communications and navigation,” said Intuitive Machines CEO Steve Altemus. “We’re pleased to partner with NASA, as one team, to support the Artemis campaign and endeavors to expand the lunar economy.”A key highlight of this contract is the debut of Intuitive Machines’ lunar satellite constellation, a service the Company believes is a strategic element in its vision to commercialize lunar activities. The constellation will provide enhanced data and transmission services and autonomous operations, creating a robust infrastructure in line with Intuitive Machines’ three pillars to commercialize a celestial body.Delivery: Scaling lunar lander capabilities to support cargo and infrastructure delivery.Data Transmission Services: Establishing a network of satellites capable of delivering 4K resolution video data and navigation services, assisting in landing site selection and resource prospecting.Autonomous Operations: Developing infrastructure, logistics, and mapping solutions on the Moon to facilitate exploration and operations.As part of this contract, the Company will deploy lunar relay satellites and provide communication and navigation services that play an essential role in NASA’s Artemis campaign to establish a long-term presence on the Moon.
NASA has awarded a contract to Intuitive Machines, LLC of Houston, to support the agency’s lunar relay systems as part of the Near Space Network, operated by the agency’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.This Subcategory 2.2 GEO to Cislunar Relay Services is a new firm-fixed-price, multiple award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity task order contract. The contract has a base period of five years with an additional 5-year option period, with a maximum potential value of $4.82 billion. The base ordering period begins Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, through Sept. 30, 2029, with the option period potentially extending the contract through Sept. 30, 2034.Lunar relays will play an essential role in NASA’s Artemis campaign to establish a long-term presence on the Moon. These relays will provide vital communication and navigation services for the exploration and scientific study of the Moon’s South Pole region. Without the extended coverage offered by lunar relays, landing opportunities at the Moon’s South Pole will be significantly limited due to the lack of direct communication between potential landing sites and ground stations on Earth.The lunar relay award also includes services to support position, navigation, and timing capabilities, which are crucial for ensuring the safety of navigation on and around the lunar surface. Under the contract, Intuitive Machines also will enable NASA to provide communication and navigation services to customer missions in the near space region.The initial task award will support the progressive validation of lunar relay capabilities/services for Artemis. NASA anticipates these lunar relay services will be used with human landing systems, the LTV (lunar terrain vehicle), and CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) flights.As lunar relay services become fully operational, they will be integrated into the Near Space Network’s expanding portfolio, enhancing communications and navigation support for future lunar missions. By implementing these new capabilities reliance on NASA’s Deep Space Network will be reduced.NASA’s goal is to provide users with communication and navigation services that are secure, reliable, and affordable, so that all NASA users receive the services required by their mission within their latency, accuracy, and availability requirements.This is another step in NASA partnering with U.S. industry to build commercial space partners to support NASA missions, including NASA’s long-term Moon to Mars objectives for interoperable communications and navigation capabilities. This award is part of the Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Program and will be executed by the Near Space Network team at NASA Goddard.
It's ridiculous when companies act like they won the max value of a decade-long multi-vendor IDIQ contract that hasn't even awarded task orders yet.
Apollo astronauts made history by driving the Lunar Roving Vehicle across the Moon’s surface. Now, their insights are helping push the frontier further with the Moon RACER team’s next-gen Lunar Terrain Vehicle. The team is delivering a static mock-up to @NASA_Johnson for testing, a second mobile mock-up is expected to be unveiled in November.
How cool is this! We had the visit of Astronauts Charlie Duke and Harrison Schmitt to check the design of our Moon Racer Lunar Terrain Vehicle, together with other astronauts including our VP of Operations Jack Fischer we performed several tests, space suits included!! AdLunam 🚀🌕
Intuitive Machines, Inc., a leading space exploration, infrastructure, and services company, has announced the selection of the Cobalt-60 (Co-60) heat source from Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation (USNC) for their Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate (“AFRL/RV”) Joint Emergent Technology Supplying On-Orbit Nuclear Power (“JETSON”) Low-power (“LP”) Mission Application contract.Intuitive Machines’ $9.5 million JETSON Low-power contract, awarded in 2023, is developing a new spacecraft concept and design which utilizes a compact Radioisotope Power System (“RPS”) to provide electrical power. The RPS will use a Co-60 heat source from USNC to heat a Stirling cycle dynamic power conversion system, which in turn will provide electrical power for on-orbit mobility, thermal regulation, and payloads.The JETSON Low Power team, led by Intuitive Machines, performed a thorough evaluation of multiple prospective heat sources, both radioisotope and fission-based, and selected Co-60 based on the information provided and known from other programs. This innovative demonstration of a radioisotope heat source coupled with a Stirling engine power converter supports the Department of Defense by furthering the development of alternate power sources for propulsion, electrical power, and maneuverability in space.“The use of a non-Pu-238 radioisotope (“Co-60”) and coupling it with a Stirling engine is a first not only for the nuclear industry but the space industry as well,” says Dr. Paolo Venneri, Executive Vice President of Advanced Technologies at USNC, “I am proud of the team and eager to work with Intuitive Machines to get JETSON LP in space.”
“Selection of USNC to provide a Co-60 based heat source to the JETSON LP mission is an important step forward, not just for the JETSON effort but for future commercialization of Stirling-based dynamic power conversion for a wide range of space applications that we believe could fit well within Intuitive Machines strategic roadmap,” said Dr. Tim Crain, Intuitive Machines co-founder. “The Intuitive Machines team hopes to leverage their expertise in nuclear power systems, power generation, and space exploration to provide safe, efficient, and scalable solutions for a wide range of future space missions.
Intuitive Machines Advances Radioisotope Power System for AFRL Space Vehicles Directorate [Oct 22]QuoteIntuitive Machines, Inc., a leading space exploration, infrastructure, and services company, has announced the selection of the Cobalt-60 (Co-60) heat source from Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation (USNC) for their Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate (“AFRL/RV”) Joint Emergent Technology Supplying On-Orbit Nuclear Power (“JETSON”) Low-power (“LP”) Mission Application contract.
Intuitive Machines, Inc., a leading space exploration, infrastructure, and services company, has announced the selection of the Cobalt-60 (Co-60) heat source from Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation (USNC) for their Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate (“AFRL/RV”) Joint Emergent Technology Supplying On-Orbit Nuclear Power (“JETSON”) Low-power (“LP”) Mission Application contract.
Oct 31, 2024. This Way UpEpisode 3 of This Way Up's limited series, The Dream is Alive, brings you an inside look at the IM-1 mission with Intuitive Machines’ Navigation Lead, Mike Hansen. In this episode, titled Laser Late Than Never, Mike reveals never-before-told details of the IM-1 mission's laser altimeter mishap and the heroic last-second software patch sent to the lander during its final lap around the Moon. Learn how quick thinking and teamwork saved the mission at a critical moment!
Happy 2nd Birthday to the Flame Range. Two years ago Intuitive Machines opened its state of the art testing facility specifically designed to further develop, test and vacuum-qualify its cryogenic engines to deliver payloads to the Moon.PS: Please don’t feed the rocket engines
Nov 16, 2024The next lunar lander launches in January, 2025, by Intuitive Machines. The Primary payload from NASA will drill, looking for water ice. Landing near the lunar south pole, the lander also carries a radiation monitor, and a cellular phone network test. It includes a "hopper" that will use its small rocket engines to land in permanently shadowed regions like craters to also look for water ice, going where rovers could not go. There is also a rover, that will travel at least a mile, to map, take 3D pictures, dig samples, and test the cellular phone network. It will also dig some regolith to sell to NASA, helping establish the Artemis accords norm of selling material extracted from planetary bodies. The rover also carries it own tiny rover, an MIT "AstroAnt" -- a prototype for future robotic swarms for inspection, diagnosis, and eventually also assembly and repair. The Falcon 9 rocket delivering the lander is also shared with several other missions, including a lunar communication satellite, and NASA's Lunar Trailblazer. That orbiter will detect and map water and minerals on the lunar surface, as well as look for future landing sites. Additionally, another included spacecraft from AstroForge will head for a near-Earth asteroid, prospecting it for metals as a prelude to future asteroid mining. This craft received the first commercial deep space license from the FCC.
Today, NASA announced completion of the first round of human-in-the-loop testing for the Intuitive Machines Moon RACER lunar terrain vehicle (LTV) at the agency’s Johnson Space Center. RACER, an acronym for Reusable Autonomous Crewed Exploration Rover, is one of three commercially owned and developed unpressurized LTVs under NASA’s consideration as part of its Artemis campaign. The Moon RACER is designed to feature a rechargeable electric battery and a robotic arm and accommodates two astronauts and some 400 kg (882 lbs.) of cargo. It is intended to pull a trailer loaded with an additional 800 kg (1,764 lbs.). Intuitive Machines aims to provide Moon RACER as a lunar infrastructure service to commercial companies and NASA under the agency’s Lunar Terrain Vehicle Services (“LTVS”) contract. If selected, Intuitive Machines would retain ownership and operational capabilities that will enable remote operation of the LTV between Artemis missions for approximately 10 years. This establishes the framework for ongoing commercial scientific discovery and long-term human space exploration, even when crews are not on the Moon. From Concept to Reality in Four Months In April 2024, NASA selected Intuitive Machines for the Lunar Terrain Vehicle Services Feasibility Assessment. Building on the Company’s success delivering payloads to the Moon’s surface, the Moon RACER team developed a roadmap for a state-of-the-art LTV. The vehicle is engineered to endure extreme conditions at the Moon’s South Pole and be delivered by the company’s heavy cargo lander, Nova-D. Designed with insights from Apollo-era moonwalkers Charlie Duke and Harrison Schmitt, the Moon RACER incorporates feedback from astronauts who drove the original Apollo rovers. Key design improvements include a simplified, ergonomically designed seatbelt, paddle controls that are easier to operate while wearing bulky spacesuits and gloves, and dual control capability, allowing the rover to be driven from either the driver or passenger side. In November, Intuitive Machines completed rigorous mobility and robotic testing around the Meteor Crater National Landmark in Arizona, simulating the challenges it will face on the lunar surface. Driving Toward the Next Milestone The human-in-the-loop tests proved invaluable, as NASA astronauts acted as test subjects, offering critical feedback on the Moon RACER’s functionality, evaluating display interfaces and controls, and identifying potential safety concerns or design issues. This feedback is being directly integrated by Intuitive Machines engineers to refine the design based on lessons learned.In 2025, NASA plans to announce the company awarded the next phase of the LTVS contract, marking a significant step forward in the Artemis campaign’s goal to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon.
NASA has selected multiple companies to expand the agency’s Near Space Network’s commercial direct-to-Earth capabilities services, which is a mission-critical communication capability that allows spacecraft to transmit data directly to ground stations on Earth.The work will be awarded under new Near Space Network services contracts that are firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contracts. Project timelines span from February 2025 to September 2029, with an additional five-year option period that could extend a contract through Sept. 30, 2034. The cumulative maximum value of all Near Space Network Services contracts is $4.82 billion.
Intuitive Machines, Inc, a space exploration, infrastructure, and services company, has secured additional contracts from NASA’s Near Space Network (“NSN”) for Direct-to-Earth (“DTE”) services. These contracts further position Intuitive Machines as a vital partner in supporting NASA’s missions to the Moon, and beyond.DTE communication and navigation services are critical for enabling missions to exit Earth’s orbit, reach lunar destinations, and explore deep space. The new contract awards include: • Subcategory 1.2: DTE Geostationary (“GEO”) to Cislunar DTE Services, offering enhanced data transmission capabilities and autonomous operations. • Subcategory 1.3: xCislunar DTE Services, addressing mission needs for highly elliptical orbits and deep space operations.Both contracts are firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity task orders designed to bolster NASA’s Lunar Exploration Ground Segment. These awards add capacity to alleviate demand on the Deep Space Network and support unique mission requirements.In September, NASA awarded Intuitive Machines NSN Subcategory 2.2, which involves deploying and operating a constellation of lunar data relay satellites.“We are privileged to help NASA deliver essential data and transmission services that support missions navigating the critical pathways between Earth, the Moon, and beyond,” said Intuitive Machines CEO Steve Altemus. “We believe these new awards complement our existing NSN contract and will expand our space communications and navigation service offerings. They position us to capitalize on the $4.82 billion maximum potential value of the NSN contract, while supporting NASA’s Artemis campaign and commercial endeavors to expand the lunar economy.”Intuitive Machines intends to leverage its proven DTE lunar data transmission network, supported by long-term agreements with strategically located radio astronomy dishes worldwide. During its first lunar mission, the Company successfully transmitted data from beyond the Earth’s orbit, around the Moon, and on the Moon’s surface.Project timelines for these contracts span February 2025 to September 2029, with an additional five-year option period that could extend a contract through September 30, 2034.
Contract Award Date: Feb 01, 2025Base and All Options Value (Total Contract Value): $4,820,000,000.00DescriptionThis is an award notice for the Near Space Network (NSN) Services, Subcategories 1.2 GEO to Cislunar Direct to Earth (DTE) and 1.3 xCislunar DTE, to Intuitive Machines, LLC.
Based on the final evaluation results, two offerors successfully met the RFP requirements, and are eligible for award. Under this solicitation, the Government may elect to make multiple awards. I have determined that Kongsberg Satellite Services AS’ proposal being Technically Acceptable, with a Moderate past performance rating, and a fair and reasonable price, and Intuitive Machines, LLC’s proposal, being Technically Acceptable, with a High past performance rating, and a fair and reasonable price, both provide best value to the Government.Accordingly, I select Kongsberg Satellite Services AS and Intuitive Machines, LLC for contract awards under the Near Space Network Services acquisition for Subcategory 1.2 “GEO to Cislunar DTE.
I have determined that Intuitive Machines, LLC and SSC Space US, Inc.’s proposals provide the best value; Intuitive Machines, LLC and SSC Space US, Inc. both received a High past performance rating, which offers a moderate advantage over Kongsberg Satellite Services AS, and significantly lower and far more advantageous total evaluated prices. Based on its lower Past Performance Rating (Moderate) and significantly higher price, I concluded that Kongsberg Satellite Services AS’s proposal does not provide best value to the Government. Accordingly, I select Intuitive Machines, LLC and SSC Space US Inc. for contract awards under the Near Space Network Services acquisition for Subcategory 1.3 “xCislunar DTE.”
Intuitive Machines, Inc. announced today that NASA has awarded the Company a study contract to advance lunar logistics handling and offloading; and surface cargo and mobility under the agency’s Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnership (NextSTEP) Appendix R.The NextSTEP Appendix R study contract is intended to advance learning in managing everyday challenges in the lunar environment identified by NASA’s Moon to Mars architecture.“Intuitive Machines has been methodically working on executing lunar delivery, data transmission, and infrastructure service missions, making us uniquely positioned to provide strategies and concepts that may shape lunar logistics and mobility solutions for the Artemis generation,” said Intuitive Machines CEO Steve Altemus. “We look forward to bringing our proven expertise together to deliver innovative solutions that establish capabilities on the Moon and place deeper exploration within reach.”Intuitive Machines intends to use the approximately $2.5M award to focus on technologies related to the transportation of lunar payloads using the company’s heavy-cargo-class lunar lander, which is currently in development. In addition, the Company expects to expand its surface mobility expertise, gained while working under NASA’s Lunar Terrain Vehicle Services contract. The NextSTEP Appendix R contract has a one-year performance period, which is expected to begin in the coming months.
The Intuitive Machines-led Moon RACER team has incorporated NASA, teammate, and external expert design modifications and completed a second round of Crew Assessment Testing and Safety ahead of an anticipated Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) next phase award selection. The Moon RACER team has built on the momentum of the first round of Crew Assessment Testing and Safety Phase I (CATS I), and Human-In-The-Loop (HITL) testing at NASA’s Johnson Space Center to incorporate design upgrades to its LTV, focused on astronaut safety, mobility, and operational efficiency. These updates reflect the team’s continued commitment to delivering a vehicle that meets the evolving needs of NASA’s Artemis campaign, with human-centric innovations tailored for both exploration and contingency scenarios on the lunar surface. If selected for NASA’s LTV delivery and demonstration mission, Intuitive Machines’ Moon RACER team would enable remote operations of the LTV between Artemis missions for approximately 10 years, establishing the ongoing commercial scientific discovery and long-term human exploration. A timeline of continuous progress:In under a year, the Intuitive Machines-led Moon RACER team has transformed a concept into a driving reality—guided by expert feedback aimed to provide the best one-stop-shop solution for LTV, surface delivery, and data transmission services. Since NASA selected the Intuitive Machines-led team for one of its LTV Services Feasibility Assessment contracts in April 2024, Intuitive Machines has: • Completed a full-scale static mock-up and Crew Assessment Test & Safety Phase I with Apollo legends Charlie Duke and Harrison Schmitt, along with Shuttle-era and International Space Station astronauts in September 2024, giving Moon RACER the benefit of hard-won experience from humanity’s only lunar drivers. • Conducted field testing on the terrestrial Moon Racer mock-up at Meteor Crater National Landmark in November 2024, simulating lunar terrain and stress-testing robotic systems. • Completed NASA Human-in-the-Loop Testing at Johnson Space Center in December 2024, where astronauts in pressurized spacesuits evaluated the Moon RACER’s mock-up controls, displays, and safety features in mission-like conditions. • Used CATS Phase I and Human-in-the-Loop feedback to drive hardware and software modifications—including seatbelt usability, control ergonomics, dual-driver capability, and visibility enhancements. This month, the team completed CATS II—bringing the newly improved terrestrial mock-up Moon RACER back before NASA astronauts, who may one day drive it on the lunar surface. “We’re grateful to work alongside NASA as one team to transform feedback into action,” said Intuitive Machines LTV Lead Gary Spexarth. “Iteration is where ideas evolve into impact, and every refinement brings us closer to delivering a solution that may redefine what’s possible for our customers on the Moon.” CATS II Feedback Applied: Improved Front Deck Access to Mast-Mounted Payloads The front deck has been modified based on crew feedback to allow improved access to mast-mounted payloads. The updated configuration reduces physical strain and increases stability during ingress/egress maneuvers, particularly during extravehicular activities. Refined Crew Compartment Entry & Incapacitated Crew Rescue (ICR)A newly optimized crew compartment provides easier and faster ingress and egress, even while wearing full pressurized suits. Notably, the vehicle now includes hardware and structural features designed to support Incapacitated Crew Rescue (ICR) operations, enabling a second astronaut to safely recover and secure a pressurized-suited crewmate in an emergency. These additions represent a critical step toward meeting NASA’s requirements for safe crew return under all lunar conditions.Human-centered Interior for Full Anthro Range We’ve enhanced seat and controller adjustability to support the full anthropometric range of suited astronauts. These refinements maintain excellent visibility and control, whether an astronaut is operating the vehicle manually or coordinating tasks in tandem with robotic systems. Streamlined Science Stowage for Suited Operations The LTV’s crew and robotic stowage systems were adjusted to streamline science operations. The updated design allows astronauts in pressurized suits to access and manage scientific samples more easily, improving workflow and reducing fatigue during collection, cataloging, and transfer tasks. Revised PLUS System for Aft Deck Access The Payload and Logistics Utility System (PLUS) has been revised to improve aft deck accessibility. The modifications make it significantly easier for astronauts in pressurized suits to reach and interact with sample stowage containers, optimizing efficiency during back-deck operations. “We’ve made targeted design modifications based on direct feedback to approach one of the final contractual reviews before award selection with clarity and confidence,” said Spexarth. “It’s the Moon RACER team’s collective capability, agility, and relentless drive that transforms feedback into function.” Toward a Lunar Future The Moon RACER vehicle is a part of NASA’s Lunar Terrain Vehicle Services (LTVS) contract, which is designed to enable sustained surface mobility across the Moon’s South Pole region for Artemis crews and robotic missions alike. The LTVS feasibility assessment contract is still competitive, as the Intuitive Machines-led Moon RACER team is one of only three vendors vying for the delivery and demonstration mission, which NASA plans to award by the end of 2025. If selected, Intuitive Machines intends to provide Moon RACER as a service—delivering it to the lunar surface via the Company’s Nova-D cargo-class lander, operating it remotely between missions with its data transmission network, and supporting scientific and commercial applications over a 10-year lifecycle.
The Texas Space Commission has selected Intuitive Machines, Inc. for a grant up to $10 million from the Space Exploration and Research Fund (“SEARF”). This funding supports the development of an Earth reentry vehicle and orbital fabrication lab designed to enable microgravity biomanufacturing and is intended to serve as a critical risk-reduction platform for the Company’s future lunar sample return missions. “Returning samples from space is one of the most complex challenges in exploration,” said Intuitive Machines Chief Growth Officer Tim Crain, Ph.D. “We are grateful to the State of Texas for fostering an environment where companies like Intuitive Machines may develop transformative space technologies. We hope that the Texas Space Commission’s investment in this capability helps create high-tech jobs, expand Texas’ leadership in space commercialization, and lay the foundation for new industries in the Lone Star State.” In 2022, Intuitive Machines began initial development of the preliminary design for an Earth reentry vehicle capable of supporting missions returning from low Earth orbit, the Moon, or Mars. As Intuitive Machines refined this technology, it partnered with Rhodium Scientific, for commercial microgravity biomanufacturing in space, where certain materials, processes, and pharmaceuticals can be more efficiently produced or exhibit unique properties not possible on Earth. “Rhodium Scientific is a leader in biomanufacturing in space,” said Rhodium Scientific Founder and CEO Olivia Gámez Holzhaus. “Our work as performers perfecting our processes for in-space biomanufacturing with DTRA and DARPA has enabled us to establish all hardware and protocols necessary for a pipeline to develop and scale biomanufacturing in space.” Together, Intuitive Machines and Rhodium Scientific are developing and managing technical approaches to payload integration for both lunar and low Earth orbit missions, including safe reentry through Earth’s atmosphere. The 12-month SEARF phase one effort will assist in advancing the collaboration with Rhodium Scientific and will support spacecraft development through Critical Design Review and the creation of a full-scale ground prototype for customer development. The Company believes this foundational phase and its partnership with Rhodium Scientific will pave the way for future grants and large-scale projects to bring the reentry system closer to flight readiness.
I'm very intrigued by this reentry vehicle. I've thought for a few years now that there was a market for dedicated down-mass; or at least, that the market for dedicated down-mass was only one vehicle development cycle away. This seems to be a vehicle designed for exactly that.
But Varda has a commercially developed, privately financed, regulatory pathfinding, reentry system. Not only did they believe , like you, that there was a market, but they put their money and careers on the line for it.NASA used to do this to prevent commercialization.Who is going to finance development if Texas or NASA is going to finance competition, particularly if they wait for you to do the pathfinding, like working with the FAA to develop the whole regime of commercial reentry licensing?These actions are ultimately harmful to technology development, not helpful.
Quote from: JEF_300 on 05/02/2025 05:58 pmI'm very intrigued by this reentry vehicle. I've thought for a few years now that there was a market for dedicated down-mass; or at least, that the market for dedicated down-mass was only one vehicle development cycle away. This seems to be a vehicle designed for exactly that.But Varda has a commercially developed, privately financed, regulatory pathfinding, reentry system. Not only did they believe , like you, that there was a market, but they put their money and careers on the line for it.NASA used to do this to prevent commercialization.Who is going to finance development if Texas or NASA is going to finance competition, particularly if they wait for you to do the pathfinding, like working with the FAA to develop the whole regime of commercial reentry licensing?These actions are ultimately harmful to technology development, not helpful.
Quote from: Comga on 05/02/2025 11:43 pmQuote from: JEF_300 on 05/02/2025 05:58 pmI'm very intrigued by this reentry vehicle. I've thought for a few years now that there was a market for dedicated down-mass; or at least, that the market for dedicated down-mass was only one vehicle development cycle away. This seems to be a vehicle designed for exactly that.But Varda has a commercially developed, privately financed, regulatory pathfinding, reentry system. Not only did they believe , like you, that there was a market, but they put their money and careers on the line for it.NASA used to do this to prevent commercialization.Who is going to finance development if Texas or NASA is going to finance competition, particularly if they wait for you to do the pathfinding, like working with the FAA to develop the whole regime of commercial reentry licensing?These actions are ultimately harmful to technology development, not helpful.1: Funding the entrance of a second provider to a market is not a bad thing. 2: In this case it is, as you allude, it's not NASA but the Texas state government providing funding. And since Varda isn't in Texas, they're funding an alternative that is. That's what a local government should do. I really don't see the problem here.
Quote from: JEF_300 on 05/03/2025 12:45 amQuote from: Comga on 05/02/2025 11:43 pmQuote from: JEF_300 on 05/02/2025 05:58 pmI'm very intrigued by this reentry vehicle. I've thought for a few years now that there was a market for dedicated down-mass; or at least, that the market for dedicated down-mass was only one vehicle development cycle away. This seems to be a vehicle designed for exactly that.But Varda has a commercially developed, privately financed, regulatory pathfinding, reentry system. Not only did they believe , like you, that there was a market, but they put their money and careers on the line for it.NASA used to do this to prevent commercialization.Who is going to finance development if Texas or NASA is going to finance competition, particularly if they wait for you to do the pathfinding, like working with the FAA to develop the whole regime of commercial reentry licensing?These actions are ultimately harmful to technology development, not helpful.1: Funding the entrance of a second provider to a market is not a bad thing. 2: In this case it is, as you allude, it's not NASA but the Texas state government providing funding. And since Varda isn't in Texas, they're funding an alternative that is. That's what a local government should do. I really don't see the problem here.We disagreeFunding a competitor in the capital market is fine.Having government fund it is very bad.It’s hard to impossible to compete with the federal or Texas government.I didn’t say it was NASA, but it was anti-commercial when NASA did it, like to Beal.You don’t see the problem? You aren’t looking carefully.When you start a business do you have to add the risk that any of the 49 other states will decide to subsidize a “home territory” competitor to you without looking for direct return on investment like your funders?NASA finally has one or two successes at this: COTS and CLPS. They set goals and fostered competition, resulting in two COTS suppliers (although the Shuttle huggers are diluting that market by funding and given slots to Dream Chaser) and several private lunar landers, with Blue Ghost being the first to be fully successful.Texas is not following, cannot follow, that model.
Shaping the Future of U.S. Space ManufacturingWe've partnered with Space Forge to provide expertise that informs the design of our Earth reentry vehicle, enabling the precise return of semiconductors from orbit to Earth.
Following City Council approval, Intuitive Machines is expanding its headquarters at the Houston Spaceport to support additional government contracts and scale delivery of spacecraft production, testing, and mission support.The expansion builds on the Company’s existing 105,000-square-foot Lunar Production and Operations Center, which opened in 2023. This site has supported mission operations for two lunar landing missions and now anchors programs supporting Earth reentry systems, heavy cargo-class landers, Lunar Terrain Vehicle development, and Intuitive Machines’ work under NASA’s Near Space Network Services contract.Set to break ground in summer 2025, the new development includes: • A 16,500-square-foot spacecraft development and production space • An 8,000-square-foot warehouse and storage facility • 150 new parking stalls to accommodate a growing workforceThis expansion is part of the Company’s broader strategy to scale operations for a diverse customer base across civil, national security space, and commercial sectors. Intuitive Machines has grown its workforce by more than 130% since 2019, and the new facilities are designed to support further talent growth, enhanced production capacity, and increased mission readiness across all operations.
Intuitive Machines, Inc. has secured a $9.8 million Phase Two government contract to advance its Orbital Transfer Vehicle (“OTV”) through Critical Design Review (“CDR”)—the final engineering milestone on a previously disclosed contract, before manufacturing begins. The Phase Two of the contract expands the Company’s growing government portfolio and signals increasing demand for its in-space mobility solutions beyond lunar surface delivery. Intuitive Machines believes this non-NASA award reinforces the Company’s strategic move to diversify its customer base and deliver orbital capabilities that span commercial, civil, and national security space operations. Built on the flight-proven Nova-C lander architecture, the OTV draws heritage from hardware and designs that have been successfully validated in two lunar missions, including trajectory refinement maneuvers, lunar orbit insertion, and main engine firings during descent. “Our OTV is a direct evolution of our lunar surface delivery missions—positioning us to expand into the rapidly growing market for in-space logistics,” said Intuitive Machines CEO Steve Altemus. “We’re leveraging our flight-proven technology to operate a mission-ready service that delivers customer payloads across orbits—from Earth to the Moon and beyond.” With an anticipated payload capacity of approximately 2,100 kilograms, the OTV is engineered for high-agility, time-efficient transfer of spacecraft and mission hardware across a wide range of destinations, including: • Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) • Geostationary Orbit (GEO) • Lagrange Points • Cislunar Injection Trajectories • Near-Rectilinear Halo Orbit (NRHO) • Low Lunar Orbit (LLO) • Interplanetary Destinations The vehicle’s optimized structure and propulsion architecture support flexible mission profiles and can evolve to meet future orbital servicing, logistics, and communications needs. Part of Intuitive Machines’ mission delivery service pillar, the OTV complements the Company’s growing portfolio of lunar landers, Earth reentry vehicles, and space-based data transmission infrastructure—delivering end-to-end mobility solutions for the Earth-Moon economy. With Critical Design Review underway, Intuitive Machines is preparing to begin manufacturing and flight integration as early as 2026—positioning the Company to support a new class of on-orbit logistics missions in service of government, commercial, and exploration customers.
Intuitive Machines expands deep space navigation services with agreement to acquire KinetX Aerospace, positioning itself for constellation management and Moon-to-Mars data relay.
Intuitive Machines@Int_MachinesWe submitted the final proposal for the next phase of NASA’s Lunar Terrain Vehicle Services (LTVS) contract, to build, fly, and operate the Intuitive Machines-led Moon RACER vehicle on the Moon. NASA is expected to announce the LTV delivery and demonstration award by the end of 2025.
Intuitive Machines@Int_Machines·This month, we celebrated our 200th day of hot fire testing on the Mobile Test Stand (MTS)—a huge milestone on our journey to provide orbital and surface delivery services!Christened in March 2019, the MTS includes the avionics and propulsion systems required to perform development testing and performance verification of our main engine, motor valves, and avionics systems.The series of tests executed on our 200th test day advanced our performance, cooling, and stability objectives for the IM-3 main engine injector.
CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, and Moon RACER teammate, provided the autonomy software that uses the point cloud and vehicle sensor inputs to figure out the vehicle’s exact location and orientation, build a local map, spot potential hazards like rocks or slopes, and decide the safest way to drive. It’s the brain behind the eyes. CSIRO’s expertise is built on decades of developing navigation solutions for challenging terrain, GPS denied and extreme environments like underground mines.
Michelin will leverage its expertise in airless tires and its knowledge of high-tech materials to design a lunar wheel capable of withstanding extreme temperatures (over 100°C and below -240°C) and solar and galactic radiation, while preserving the rover’s battery life and providing maximum traction on an aggressive, loose soil.
Intuitive Machines has completed its previously announced acquisition of KinetX, Inc, which specializes in deep space navigation, systems engineering, and constellation mission design. The acquisition enhances Intuitive Machines’ ability to provide customers secure, reliable communications and precision navigation for lunar and interplanetary missions by combining its data service platform with KinetX deep space navigation technology.The stock acquisition was completed for $30 million before closing adjustments, including approximately $15 million in cash and approximately 1,400,000 shares of Intuitive Machines common stock.
Intuitive Machines@Int_Machines·It’s #WorldSpaceWeek and the future of exploration is on the move 🌕Moon RACER, is engineered for more than mobility. It’s a fully integrated lunar service, connecting delivery, data, and infrastructure in one system.
Intuitive Machines@Int_MachinesProducts made in space are more valuable. Zephyr brings them home. 🌍 In a microgravity environment, you can create new molecules and purer crystals. Zephyr turns orbital discoveries into real world breakthroughs.
Intuitive Machines, Inc. (Nasdaq: LUNR), a leading space technology and infrastructure services company, today announced an $8.2 million contract extension from the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory’s Space Vehicles Directorate (AFRL/RV) to develop next-generation nuclear power systems for spacecraft and lunar infrastructure. Intuitive Machines is using the funding to accelerate readiness of compact nuclear power conversion technology that overcomes solar power limitations and enables lengthier missions on the Moon and in deep space.
Key Highlights (AI Generated):Goal: To accelerate the flight readiness of compact nuclear power conversion technology, specifically a Stirling-based power conversion system. This system converts heat from a radioisotope source into electricity.Purpose: The technology is intended to overcome the limitations of solar power for space missions, particularly in harsh environments like the two-week-long lunar night where temperatures are extremely low. This will enable lengthier missions on the Moon and in deep space.Previous Work: The extension builds upon a prior $9.5 million AFRL program, which included the design phase that culminated in a successful Preliminary Design Review in September.Next Phase: The new funding shifts the work from design to preparing the system for flight hardware, a critical step toward demonstrating space-based nuclear power in orbit.Flight Experiment: The article mentions the Stirling Technology spAce Research experimenT (START), a flight experiment designed to demonstrate the Stirling power conversion technology on the ISS National Laboratory. The goal is to raise the technology's readiness level from prototype to space-flown.Strategic Importance: Intuitive Machines believes this reliable, scalable energy system is essential for sustained operations in space, including national security missions, supporting generators during prolonged darkness, and powering long-duration Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) beacons on the Moon.
Intuitive Machines Secures $8.2 Million AFRL Contract Extension to Advance In-Space Nuclear Power Technology
Launch to ISS: August 27th 2027
“This strategic acquisition positions Intuitive Machines as a next generation space prime directly in the flow of multi-billion-dollar space programs. The combined entity revenue exceeds $850 million*, with positive Adjusted EBITDA*, and $920 million* in backlog as of September 30, 2025,” said Intuitive Machines CEO, Steve Altemus. “This marks the moment Intuitive Machines transitions from a lunar company to a multi-domain space prime, setting the pace for how the industry’s next generation will operate.”
SUPER BIG news, merge with Maxar, now Lanteris Space!!!https://www.intuitivemachines.com/post/intuitive-machines-to-acquire-lanteris-space-systems-creating-the-next-generation-commercial-civil
Let's see if I can get the background here mostly right:MAXAR is struggling to execute with red flags everywhere (OSAM-1, Gateway PPE, Echostar, etc.). A private equity firm swoops in, buys cheap and splits the company into two (space hardware/manufacturing + imagery/AI). They then sell the space hardware part (they named "Lanteris") to IM. Probably not a bad move for Advent LPs. I hope IM are really good at integrating/managing an acquired company that wasn't executing properly. Acquiring AND properly integrating space hardware companies is not for the faint of heart. Best of luck to them!
Dcubed today announced that it has been selected by Intuitive Machines, to provide solar power for one of Intuitive Machines’ first Space Data Network (SDN) satellites. The SDN is a scalable, intelligent network architecture designed to deliver minimal latency space data services like communications, autonomous coordination, and space-based IoT, powered by Intuitive Machines’ core communications, Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) technology. Dcubed’s solar array technology will power the initial spacecraft, scheduled for 2026. Dcubed will deliver the solar array power subsystem for the first of five Intuitive Machines satellites. The system includes two rigid deployable solar wings with a 2 kW end-of-life total power output. Leveraging Dcubed’s agile development capabilities and robust supply chain, Dcubed has committed to a rapid delivery schedule. Moreover, the construction of the array will leverage Dcubed’s state of the art robotic assembly line that is key to Dcubed’s industrialization strategy. “The data network we’re building lays the foundation for sustainable lunar operations by providing data, transmission, and navigation services essential for exploration and infrastructure so customers can access, coordinate, and act on space data with minimal latency,” said Gary Spexarth, Lander Production Manager for Intuitive Machines. “Dcubed’s responsiveness and reliable solar array technology support the pace and precision required to deploy the Lunar Data Network as part of our broader Space Data Network.” The Lunar Data Network is the first segment of an SDN that Intuitive Machines is building, enabling: • High-capacity data transmission, like 4K video and precision PNT services to support landing site selection, resource prospecting, and autonomous mobility. • Autonomous operations, delivering infrastructure, logistics, and mapping capabilities to support sustained lunar exploration. • Scalable support for lunar cargo and infrastructure delivery, strengthening long-duration operations and expanding access to lunar surface assets.
Nov 12, 2025Star Catcher and Intuitive Machines just showed how lasers could power lunar rovers.Engineers joke they'd do unspeakable things for an extra watt on the Moon. But what if they had extra kilowatts? Watch Intuitive Machines' Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) drive by for a charge, and learn how space power beaming unlocks the Moon.Star Catcher, the space energy company, is building the first power grid in space. Using optical power beaming, the Star Catcher Network transmits concentrated solar energy directly to satellites’ existing solar arrays. Scale your available power by up to 10x with no hardware modifications required.In a recent demo at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center (across the historic 2.8 mile [4.6 km] Launch and Landing Facility runway that the Space Shuttle used for landings), Star Catcher beamed energy via high-efficiency lasers to Intuitive Machines’ lunar terrain vehicle, proving that wireless optical power beaming can keep missions running in the Moon’s harshest environments, including the South Pole and permanently shadowed craters.The lunar South Pole is a prime target for NASA’s Artemis program and other international missions because of its potential water ice deposits, which could be turned into life support resources and rocket fuel. But it’s also one of the hardest places to operate: long lunar nights, extreme cold, and deep shadows make traditional solar panels and batteries heavy, complex, and limited.Star Catcher’s vision is an orbital energy grid that collects sunlight in space, converts it into laser power, and beams it down to standard solar panels on the surface working with no custom receivers — and no heavy, expensive, sprawling solar farms.During this test campaign, Star Catcher set the new world record for optical power beaming — surpassing DARPA's previous records showing that laser power beaming can deliver meaningful, scalable energy for extending lunar surface operations.Learn more:Intuitive Machines: www.intuitivemachines.comStar Catcher: www.star-catcher.com
Intuitive Machines@Int_Machines·Powering exploration where sunlight can’t reach. ⚡🌕 Moon RACER, Intuitive Machines’ Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV), successfully received wireless energy from @StarCatcherInd, proving compatibility with #OrbitalPowerSystems to keep missions running through the #LunarNight
