Intuitive Machines, known for its lunar landers, has announced an $800 million acquisition of satellite manufacturer Lanteris Space Systems. The deal, expected to close early next year, will expand the company's capabilities into satellite production and military contracts. This move positions Intuitive Machines as a major player in both commercial and national security space sectors.
Intuitive Machines, a Houston-based company founded in 2013 by businessman Kam Ghaffarian and NASA veterans Stephen Altemus and Tim Crain, revealed last week its plans to purchase Lanteris Space Systems for $800 million. Lanteris, previously known as Maxar Space Systems until last month, traces its roots to 1957 when it began as the Western Development Laboratories division of Philco Corporation. Over nearly 70 years, it has produced more than 300 satellites, including the historic Courier 1B in 1960, the world's first active repeater communications relay station.
The acquisition, owned by Advent International since 2023, is subject to regulatory approvals and closing conditions, with completion anticipated early next year. It will initially operate Lanteris as a subsidiary before full integration. Intuitive Machines, which reported $228 million in revenue last year, expects the combined entity to reach $850 million in revenue and achieve profitability. "As a standalone company, Lanteris is a cash generating business," the company stated in a press release. "As a combined company, Intuitive Machines expects to have adequate cash on hand for continued operations."
Intuitive Machines gained prominence with its commercial robotic lunar landers. Its IM-1 mission reached the Moon in February 2024, and IM-2 in March 2025, though both tipped over post-touchdown, leading to design changes for the 2026 mission. NASA has awarded it more lunar lander contracts than any other firm, including selections for an unpressurized Moon buggy and a lunar relay network potentially worth $4.82 billion over the next decade.
The deal broadens Intuitive Machines beyond lunar focus. Lanteris builds satellites for the US Space Force, NASA, and commercial clients, including those for the Pentagon's Space Development Agency to track ballistic and hypersonic missiles, tying into the Golden Dome missile defense shield. "We’re breaking into national security space," CEO Steve Altemus told Ars Technica. He noted prior DoD contracts for an orbital transfer vehicle and in-space nuclear power tech. Lanteris also serves as prime contractor for the core power and propulsion of NASA's Gateway station near the Moon.
"This marks the moment Intuitive Machines transitions from a lunar company to a multi-domain space prime, setting the pace for how the industry’s next generation will operate," Altemus said. The acquisition complements Intuitive Machines' earlier purchase of deep space navigation firm KinetX, offering integrated spacecraft manufacturing and data relay services.