Why Intuitive Machines Is Skyrocketing Today

Shares of Intuitive Machines (NASDAQ: LUNR) are flying Friday. The stock had gained 4.4% as of 2:50 p.m. ET, but was up as much as 12.5% earlier in the day. The surge comes as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite lost 0.3 and 0.6%, respectively.

Intuitive just announced it was awarded a key new contract from NASA. Moreover, space stocks at large are getting a boost from comments made earlier in the week by President Donald Trump during his inaugural speech.

Start Your Mornings Smarter! Wake up with Breakfast news in your inbox every market day. Sign Up For Free »

New year, new contract

Intuitive announced today that it was awarded a contract by NASA 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 program is designed to help develop capabilities to explore the moon and Mars. The company will receive roughly $2.5 million and intends to use it to further develop its heavy-cargo-class lunar lander.

Trump wants to go to Mars

Trump signaled his intention to send Americans to Mars during his inaugural speech, stating it was time for the country to "act with courage, vigor, and the vitality of history's greatest civilization" to "plant the Stars and Stripes on the planet Mars."

This great effort requires companies like Intuitive Machines to help develop the technology. Although the current grant from NASA is focused on a lunar lander, the technology can be adapted for future missions to Mars.

Don’t miss this second chance at a potentially lucrative opportunity

Ever feel like you missed the boat in buying the most successful stocks? Then you’ll want to hear this.

On rare occasions, our expert team of analysts issues a “Double Down” stock recommendation for companies that they think are about to pop. If you’re worried you’ve already missed your chance to invest, now is the best time to buy before it’s too late. And the numbers speak for themselves:

• Nvidia: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2009, you’d have $381,744!*
• Apple: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2008, you’d have $42,357!*
• Netflix: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2004, you’d have $531,127!*

Right now, we’re issuing “Double Down” alerts for three incredible companies, and there may not be another chance like this anytime soon.

Learn more »

*Stock Advisor returns as of January 21, 2025

Johnny Rice has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.