Intuitive Machines, Inc. (Nasdaq: LUNR), a prominent company specializing in space technology and infrastructure, has announced a contract extension valued at $8.2 million from the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory”s Space Vehicles Directorate (AFRL/RV). This funding is directed towards the advancement of next-generation nuclear power systems for spacecraft and lunar infrastructure.
The newly acquired funds will expedite the readiness of compact nuclear power conversion technology, which can address the limitations of solar power and support extended missions on the Moon and in deep space. This contract builds on the company”s previous $9.5 million investment through an earlier AFRL initiative aimed at developing these compact nuclear systems.
As part of the earlier project, Intuitive Machines designed a Stirling-based power conversion system capable of converting heat from a radioisotope source into electricity. This phase was marked by a successful Preliminary Design Review completed in September. With the new funding, the company is set to start preparing the system for flight, which is a pivotal step toward demonstrating the viability of space-based nuclear power.
Currently, solar energy is the most widely utilized power source for space missions. However, this approach presents challenges in harsh environments, such as the two-week lunar night, where temperatures drop below -200 degrees Fahrenheit. Such conditions hinder system operation unless supplemented by additional power sources, which often add weight and complexity to missions. Intuitive Machines recognizes an increasing demand for dependable and scalable energy systems, such as Stirling engines, which provide continuous power and heat in a more compact form.
“This award moves us from design to flight hardware, which is a critical step toward proving that compact nuclear power systems can survive and perform in space,” stated Dr. Tim Crain, co-founder and chief growth officer at Intuitive Machines. “Our vertically integrated approach across space data, infrastructure, and delivery services enables rapid innovation throughout the mission lifecycle, allowing us to deliver compact, high-performance technologies and scalable solutions necessary for sustained operations in space.”
The Stirling Technology spAce Research experimenT (START) aims to test Stirling power conversion technology in space. By deploying this system aboard the ISS National Laboratory, Intuitive Machines plans to expose it to conditions that typically accelerate the degradation of conventional power systems, thereby limiting their operational lifespan.
Intuitive Machines intends to elevate the readiness level of the nuclear power technology from prototype to space-flown status, which is essential for acceptance in commercial, civil, and national security space operations. The Stirling technology is vital for meeting critical mission requirements by providing compact and continuous power in space.
Beyond this initiative, Intuitive Machines is also researching high-powered nuclear fission systems under a contract with the Department of Energy, supported by funding from NASA”s Fission Surface Power project.
Dr. Crain emphasized, “Our progress under the AFRL program bolsters our prospects for future nuclear power initiatives, including NASA”s FSP project. By enhancing dynamic power conversion and control technologies, we are transitioning from lunar delivery to becoming a commercial infrastructure service provider on the Moon.”
About Intuitive Machines – The company is a diversified entity focused on revolutionizing lunar access economics. In 2024, Intuitive Machines successfully achieved a soft landing with its Nova-C class lunar lander, marking the United States” return to the lunar surface for the first time since 1972. In 2025, the company made another successful landing at the lunar south pole with a second lander. Their offerings encompass three main areas of space commercialization: Delivery Services, Data Transmission Services, and Infrastructure as a Service.
This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements relate to expectations regarding the execution and completion of the AFRL Program. Actual results may differ materially from those projected, and caution is advised against placing undue reliance on these statements.
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