Get ready for a seismic shift in the space industry! Intuitive Machines is set to acquire Lanteris Space Systems, formerly Maxar Space Systems, in a move that will redefine the boundaries of commercial, civil, and national security space exploration. But here's where it gets really exciting: the combined entity is projected to boast a revenue exceeding $850 million, with a substantial backlog of $920 million as of September 30, 2025. This isn't just a merger; it's a transformative leap that positions Intuitive Machines as a next-generation space prime, capable of designing, manufacturing, and operating missions from Earth orbit to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
Steve Altemus, CEO of Intuitive Machines, boldly declares, “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.” The acquisition, valued at $800 million, is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals. And this is the part most people miss: Lanteris, as a standalone company, is already a cash-generating powerhouse, ensuring that the combined entity will have the financial muscle to sustain its ambitious operations.
Kam Ghaffarian, Chairman of Intuitive Machines, emphasizes the strategic vision: “Our goal is to expand space infrastructure services from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to Geostationary Orbit (GEO), beyond the Moon, and to Mars. This acquisition is a pivotal step in realizing that vision.” Meanwhile, Shonnel Malani, Managing Partner of Advent, highlights Lanteris’ focus on national security priorities, including next-generation missile defense, as a key driver of sustainable growth.
But here’s the controversial part: As Intuitive Machines expands its reach into national security space programs, questions arise about the balance between commercial innovation and government priorities. Will this shift dilute their focus on lunar and deep space exploration? Or will it create a synergy that propels both sectors forward? We invite you to join the debate in the comments below.
Looking at the numbers, Intuitive Machines’ Q3 2025 highlights reveal a company on the rise, with recognized revenue of $52.4 million and significant contract wins, including an $8.2 million AFRL contract for in-space nuclear power technology. However, the quarter also saw a net loss of ($10.0) million and an adjusted EBITDA of ($13.2) million, underscoring the challenges of scaling in the space industry.
The new Intuitive Machines promises to combine rapid innovation with precision spacecraft production, delivering high-reliability space infrastructure faster and more affordably. But as they venture into uncharted territories, from LEO to deep space, one question lingers: Can they maintain their momentum while navigating the complexities of national security and commercial space programs?
For investors and space enthusiasts alike, this acquisition is a game-changer. Intuitive Machines will host an investor update call on November 4, 2025, at 8:30 am ET, offering a deeper dive into the deal and Q3 results. Whether you’re bullish on their future or skeptical of their ambitious plans, one thing is clear: Intuitive Machines is not just reaching for the stars—they’re building the roadmap to get there.
