Intuitive Machines (Nasdaq: LUNR) has received a potential 10-year, $4.82 billion contract from NASA to provide support for the agency’s lunar relay systems as part of the Near Space Network.
NASA said Tuesday the Subcategory 2.2 GEO to Cislunar Relay Services indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity task order contract has a five-year base term and a five-year option period that could run through the end of September 2034 if the option term is exercised.
Lunar relays
According to the space agency, lunar relays will play a key role in the Artemis campaign by providing communication and navigation services for the study and exploration of the moon’s South Pole region.
The award includes services for position, navigation and timing capabilities to help ensure the safety of navigation on and around the moon’s surface and seeks to support the validation of lunar relay services and related capabilities for Artemis.
The Near Space Network team at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, will execute the award, which is part of the Space Communications and Navigation program.
âWe’re pleased to partner with NASA, as one team, to support the Artemis campaign and endeavors to expand the lunar economy,â Intuitive Machines CEO Steve Altemus said in a statement published Tuesday.
Intuitive Machines said the firm-fixed-price IDIQ contract marks the launch of the company’s lunar satellite constellation, which is expected to deliver improved data and transmission services and autonomous operations support.
