Shares of space exploration, infrastructure, and services company Intuitive Machines Inc. ( LUNR ) are trading higher on Friday after a study contract from NASA to enhance lunar logistics and mobility.

This agreement, under NASA’s Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnership (NextSTEP) Appendix R, is focused on tackling the complexities of operating in lunar environments, especially in support of NASA’s Moon to Mars goals.

The study contract, worth around $2.5 million, will concentrate on transporting lunar payloads with Intuitive Machines’ heavy-cargo-class lunar lander, which is still in development.

Furthermore, the company aims to enhance its surface mobility capabilities by leveraging its experience from NASA’s Lunar Terrain Vehicle Services contract.

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“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 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.”

The performance period for this contract will last for one year and is expected to begin in the upcoming months.

In 2024, Intuitive Machines ( LUNR ) achieved a milestone by landing its Nova-C class lunar lander, Odysseus, on the Moon, marking the U.S.’s return to the lunar surface after a hiatus since 1972.

The company provides its products and services through four key space-focused divisions: Lunar Access Services, Orbital Services, Lunar Data Services, and Space Products and Infrastructure.

Price Action: LUNR shares are trading higher by 5.64% at $23.42 at the last check Friday.

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