Lunar infrastructure startup Intuitive Machines is looking to grow its federal business by breaking into the national security space sector.
The company, which already works closely with NASA under the CLPS program, has submitted several proposals to partner with the DoD, top executives announced in the company’s Q2 earnings call on Tuesday. They did not reveal any more details on specific technologies or missions, but the startup had already received a $9.5M contract from the Air Force Research Lab Space Vehicles Directorate in November to develop a way to maneuver sats using radioisotope power systems.
By the Numbers:
- $41.4M in Q2 revenue, up 130% YoY
- $114.5M revenue through Q2—surpassing total 2023 revenue
- $28.2M quarterly loss, compared to a $13.2M loss in the same time last year
Competition’s benefits: Intuitive Machines pointed to China’s ambitious lunar exploration goals, including the recent water molecules collected on the Chang’e 5 mission, and said the competition with Beijing keeps the US accountable and efficient in decision-making.
What’s next? The company projected full-year revenue between $200M-$240M, boosting the low end of its full-year revenue projection by $10M. It expects to launch its second mission in December or early 2025, and its third mission in October or November 2025.
One big question mark on the company’s manifest? The status of NASA’s VIPER rover, which Intuitive Machines asked to take over. Officials said the startup is still waiting to hear back from the agency.
