- NASA will provide an update on the implementation of its space policy on Tuesday.
- On Monday, Stifel raised its price target on LUNR to $22 from $20, citing opportunities in lunar infrastructure and satellites.
- Message volume for LUNR jumped to 'extremely high' levels over the past day.
Shares of Intuitive Machines (LUNR) rose about 1% in after-hours trading on Monday as investors grew increasingly optimistic about the company's chances of winning a NASA lunar terrain vehicle contract ahead of the space agency's scheduled policy update on Tuesday.
The stock ended Monday nearly 14% higher, its best session since early February amid a broader market rebound.
What The NASA Event Is About
NASA will host a public event at 9 a.m. EDT on Tuesday at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters in Washington, outlining how the agency is executing President Donald Trump's National Space Policy and accelerating preparations for America's return to the Moon by 2028.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman will open the program, followed by a series of panels covering mission priorities, including landing the first astronauts on the lunar surface in more than 50 years, establishing the initial elements of a permanent lunar base, and advancing nuclear propulsion capabilities in space.
Investments To Expand Near-Space Goals
In its fourth-quarter results earlier this month, Intuitive Machines CEO Steve Altemus said the company received $175 million in new investments in the first quarter, earmarked to expand its near-space network services and build a solar-system internet independent of Earth.
Altemus also flagged near-term catalysts beyond the Lunar Terrain Vehicle Services contract, noting that LUNR expects to be awarded the next Commercial Lunar Payload Services contract shortly. The company is guiding for full-year revenue of $900 million to $1 billion and positive adjusted EBITDA.
In April 2024, NASA awarded LUNR $30 million and selected it as one of the prime contractors to conduct a feasibility assessment for Lunar Terrain Vehicle services, tasking the company with developing a deployment roadmap.
Executive Orders Boost LUNR Prospects
In December 2025, Trump signed an executive order on space policy that reinforces U.S. dominance in space exploration, defense, and commercial development. The order calls for a return to the Moon by 2028 and the launch of a lunar surface nuclear reactor by 2030 — a timeline that puts LUNR's contract prospects squarely in focus.
Analyst Upgrades Add To LUNR Optimism
On Monday, Stifel raised its price target on LUNR to $22 from $20 — implying roughly 23% upside from Monday's close of $17.83 — while maintaining its 'Hold' rating. The firm said it likes LUNR's lunar infrastructure and satellite opportunities but flagged the timing and outcome of contract awards as ongoing risks.
Last week, Deutsche Bank raised its target to $22 from $18 following the quarterly results, maintaining a 'Buy' rating based on LUNR's "solid" full-year outlook. Clear Street, which carries a $25 target and a 'Buy' rating, calls LUNR its top pick for the year and estimates the NASA Lunar Terrain Vehicle contract alone could add $200 million to $300 million in annual revenue.
What Retail Thinks About LUNR
Stocktwits sentiment on LUNR has swung to 'extremely bullish' from 'bearish' just a month ago, with the stock up roughly 25% year to date and the platform's follower count for the ticker up nearly 12% over the past year.
The mood, however, ranges from supremely confident to cautiously hopeful.
"100% chance of LTV announcement tomorrow, 100% chance IM gets it, 100% chance this goes to $40 — if you didn't put every cent you have available into this, you don't know how to invest," one user wrote.
"I made a lot of money with LUNR and I wish it all the success in the world. However, it's a lot of promises and backlog — I still have to see a successful mission," said another.
On Wall Street, seven of nine analysts covering LUNR rate it 'Buy,' with an average price target of $22.50, implying more than 10% upside from current levels, according to Koyfin.
For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.