LUNR Stock Eyes Best Month This Year Despite NASA's Rebuff — Analyst Sees 85% Upside

• Roth said NASA’s contract decisions could delay Intuitive Machines’ lunar vehicle plans
• The firm, however, added that continued spending on moon exploration still signals a strong long-term opportunity. 
• Analysts said Intuitive Machines remains well-positioned for future NASA moon contracts. 

Intuitive Machines (LUNR) stock is heading for its best month this year, even after NASA excluded the company from the first phase of its Lunar Terrain Vehicle program, as the stock rebounded strongly, finishing Wednesday’s session 15% higher.

The space exploration firm also received support from Roth Capital, which increased its price target on LUNR to $75 from $50 and maintained a ‘Buy’ rating, according to TheFly. 

Roth Sees 85% Upside For LUNR

Roth’s new price target implies a 85% upside potential to Intuitive Machines’ closing price on Wednesday. 

Analysts said recent NASA developments suggest Intuitive Machines’ own lunar vehicle timeline could move more slowly than previously expected, though the broader pace of moon-related contract activity remains encouraging.

The firm pointed to NASA’s latest update on initial lunar terrain vehicle (LTV) selections, which favored competing companies in the first round. While that outcome may delay expectations for Intuitive Machines’ participation in the program, Roth Capital said the agency continues to ramp up investment in lunar exploration efforts.

The firm believes Intuitive Machines still has strong opportunities in future NASA moon programs, including landers, rovers, infrastructure, and other lunar-related services tied to the Artemis mission. 

Intuitive Machines’ stock traded over 2% lower overnight, ahead of Thursday. 

NASA’s Decision Initially Rattled LUNR Investors’ 

NASA disclosed on Tuesday that early lunar rover service contracts tied to its Moon Base initiative would go to private rivals Lunar Outpost and Astrolab rather than Intuitive Machines. 

The announcement triggered a steep sell-off in LUNR shares during Tuesday's trading, dragging the stock down by over 8% as investors interpreted the rover contract outcome as a setback for the company’s Artemis-related ambitions. 

However, buying pressure returned less than a day later after investors focused on the company’s existing business pipeline rather than the missed rover award. 

What Are LUNR Retail Traders Saying

On Stocktwits, retail sentiment around the stock remained in ‘extremely bullish’ territory. 

A user said, “Big move incoming they are gonna rip this.”

Another user said, “$RDW $LUNR BUY. THE. DIP. 

Manipulation setting up for the next leg, 

Mark my words.” 

LUNR stock has gained over 148% year-to-date. 

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