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Investing.com -- Intuitive Machines Inc (NASDAQ:LUNR) shares climbed 7% following the announcement that the company has selected SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket for its fourth lunar delivery mission. This move underscores the company's expanding role in space exploration and infrastructure.
The IM-4 mission, scheduled for 2027, aims to bolster NASA's Near Space Network Services contract by launching two lunar data relay satellites from Florida. These satellites are designed to support not only NASA's requirements but also offer potential services to commercial and other government customers. Intuitive Machines' CEO, Steve Altemus, emphasized the importance of lunar surface delivery and data relay satellites in their strategy to commercialize the Moon, highlighting the capability of the satellites to host additional payloads.
In addition to the NSNS service, Intuitive Machines is planning to introduce a pay-by-the-minute service with the deployment of its first lunar data relay satellite on its third mission. The subsequent missions, including IM-4, are expected to scale this service and complete the constellation to fully support NASA and commercial lunar operations.
The company's collaboration with SpaceX for the IM-4 mission builds on its commitment to the NASA Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative, which includes carrying six payloads to the Moon, such as a drill suite led by the European Space Agency to search for water at the lunar south pole.
Intuitive Machines has received multiple task orders under NASA's NSNS contract, which involves providing Direct-to-Earth services and establishing a lunar data relay constellation to aid NASA's Artemis campaign.
The partnership with SpaceX and the company's ongoing contributions to NASA's lunar exploration initiatives have been well-received by investors, as evidenced by the stock's positive performance in the trading session.
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