Lunar Logistics Study Contract Awarded to Intuitive Machines
Will Focus on Managing Everyday Challenges in the Lunar Environment
NASA has awarded a study contract to advance lunar logistics, including handling and offloading surface cargo and mobility, to Intuitive Machines under the agency’s Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnership (NextSTEP) Appendix R.
“Intuitive Machines has been methodically working on executing lunar delivery, data transmission, and infrastructure service missions."
Steve Altemus, Intuitive Machines
The NextSTEP Appendix R study contract is intended to advance learning in managing everyday challenges in the lunar environment identified by NASA’s Moon to Mars architecture.
“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 Intuitive Machines 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.”
Intuitive Machines intends to use the approximately $2.5M award to focus on technologies related to the transportation of lunar payloads using the company’s heavy-cargo-class lunar lander, which is currently in development. In addition, the Company expects to expand its surface mobility expertise, gained while working under NASA’s Lunar Terrain Vehicle Services contract. The NextSTEP Appendix R contract has a one-year performance period, which is expected to begin in the coming months.