Intuitive Machines Shares Surge After Analysts Lift Price Targets on Space Expansion Prospects

Shares of Intuitive Machines Inc. (NASDAQ:LUNR) advanced sharply last week after two research firms raised their price targets and reiterated positive ratings on the Houston-based space-technology company. The stock climbed 17.24 percent week over week, extending a rally fueled by confidence in an upcoming acquisition and policy moves aimed at accelerating U.S. lunar missions.

In an updated note to clients, Clear Street lifted its 12-month price forecast for Intuitive Machines to $25 from a prior estimate of $17, representing a 47 percent increase. The firm kept a “buy” recommendation in place and pointed to the planned purchase of Lanteris Space Systems as the main catalyst for higher valuation. Clear Street described the deal as a step toward creating “a next-generation space prime” capable of competing for multibillion-dollar government and commercial programs.

Lanteris, a privately held spacecraft manufacturer, has a track record of supplying hardware to national security, civil and commercial customers. According to Clear Street, absorbing that portfolio would broaden Intuitive Machines’ offerings and position the combined company to meet demand for reliable lunar landers, satellite buses and other mission-critical platforms.

Separately, B. Riley boosted its target price to $20 from $14 and also reaffirmed a buy rating. The brokerage highlighted potential tailwinds from an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on 18 December, which calls for an expansion of U.S. space exploration projects to preserve technological leadership. Analysts at B. Riley said Intuitive Machines is well placed to secure additional contracts under the directive, particularly in connection with renewed efforts to return astronauts to the Moon.

Intuitive Machines develops lunar landers, propulsion systems and data services aimed at supporting both governmental and private-sector missions. The company’s Nova-C lander is slated to transport payloads to the lunar surface under NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative. NASA’s Artemis program envisions regular Moon expeditions as a precursor to future crewed flights to Mars, an objective that industry observers say could drive demand for specialized spacecraft and related technologies.

Clear Street’s report argued that integrating Lanteris would give Intuitive Machines a manufacturing base with “flight-proven reliability” across multiple platforms. Analysts indicated that a broader product line could allow the combined entity to compete for high-value Department of Defense satellite constellations, NASA science missions and commercial lunar cargo services.

B. Riley echoed that view, adding that the December executive order is likely to accelerate funding cycles for lunar infrastructure projects. The firm said it expects federal agencies to prioritize U.S. suppliers for upcoming contracts, a scenario it believes should favor companies with vertically integrated capabilities such as Intuitive Machines.

The two upgrades followed a volatile period for LUNR shares, which had underperformed broader space-sector indices earlier in the year amid concerns about launch schedules and capital requirements. Last week’s rally pushed the stock to its highest level since early September, trimming year-to-date losses and lifting market capitalization closer to targets set by both brokerages.

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While the analyst community cited the Lanteris transaction and policy support as reasons for optimism, their coverage also underscored risks common to emerging space businesses. Clear Street noted that Intuitive Machines remains dependent on successful contract execution and timely mission launches. B. Riley pointed to potential delays in federal budgeting or changes in political priorities that could affect procurement timelines.

The research updates were published as part of a broader market survey reviewing companies that have delivered outsized gains in the opening days of 2026. The same survey observed that select artificial-intelligence firms may offer attractive near-term returns with comparatively lower downside, though it did not specify which names met that criterion.

Intuitive Machines has not yet disclosed a definitive closing date for the Lanteris acquisition, nor has it provided financial terms. Management previously said it expects the combination to enhance manufacturing throughput and expand the company’s addressable market. Investors will look for additional details during the next earnings call, when executives are likely to outline integration plans and updated revenue projections.

Market participants will also monitor progress on the Nova-C lander, which is scheduled to fly on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. A successful mission could strengthen Intuitive Machines’ position in the competitive lunar-services arena and validate the bullish outlook presented by Clear Street and B. Riley.

For now, the twin upgrades and policy developments have rekindled momentum in LUNR shares, signaling renewed investor confidence that the company can capitalize on expanding opportunities across government and commercial space programs.

Crédito da imagem: Pixabay/Public Domain