New York, January 16, 2026, 12:10 ET — Regular session underway
- Intuitive Machines shares climbed roughly 11% during Friday’s midday session
- Morgan Stanley singled out LUNR as one of the space stocks set to gain in 2026
- Traders are digesting the $800 million Lanteris deal and weighing the company’s next moves
Intuitive Machines shares climbed 11.5% to hit $21.74 by midday Friday, following a close of $19.50 the day before. The stock fluctuated between $19.37 and $22.05, with around 9.3 million shares changing hands.
The shift is significant as the small-cap lunar lander firm aims to expand its focus beyond moon deliveries. Investors are now sizing up whether the newly introduced satellite manufacturing arm can steady an otherwise contract-dependent revenue stream — and at what expense.
Sentiment picked up for space stocks after Morgan Stanley analysts, led by Kristine Liwag, called the sector “attractive” looking toward 2026. Liwag cited a faster launch schedule, fresh product launches, and policy backing as key drivers. She singled out Rocket Lab, AST SpaceMobile, and Intuitive Machines as potential winners, according to TipRanks. 1
A regulatory filing revealed that Intuitive Machines has wrapped up its $800 million acquisition of Lanteris Space Holdings, before any closing adjustments. The deal breaks down into $450 million in cash and $350 million in stock. At closing, Intuitive Machines paid around $403 million in cash and issued 22.99 million newly minted shares, valued at about $284 million based on a $12.34 per-share figure tied to a 10-day volume-weighted average price. The filing notes the seller received registration rights, which could enable stock sales through registered public offerings. Additionally, Intuitive Machines took on guarantor status under Lanteris’ receivables purchase facility with ING, a credit line that can reach $250 million through December 1, 2026. The company also plans to file Lanteris’ financial statements and pro forma financials later via an amended 8-K, expected within 71 calendar days of the filing deadline. 2
“This acquisition marks a defining moment in the evolution of Intuitive Machines,” CEO Steve Altemus said in a statement, calling Lanteris a provider of “flight-proven manufacturing at scale.” The company noted that Lanteris, formerly known as Maxar Space Systems, manufactures satellites used for missile warning, tracking, and other national security and civil missions. Lanteris President Chris Johnson added the deal was “exactly what we would have envisioned” for the business. 3
The trade isn’t one-sided. Investors remain wary of integration risks and the hefty cash requirements for space hardware. Plus, the company is still vulnerable to delays and setbacks that could swiftly sour sentiment.
Intuitive Machines’ recent run on the Moon serves as a cautionary tale. Their first two lunar landers managed to touch down but flipped over soon after landing, according to Space.com, underscoring the slim margin for error as the company pushes ahead with further missions. 4
The next key update will be the amended 8-K containing Lanteris financials and pro forma figures, offering investors a sharper view of how the merged company might report revenue and handle cash flow. Meanwhile, the lunar calendar remains busy: NASA is set to roll the Artemis 2 rocket to the launch pad on Jan. 17, aiming for a crewed moon mission as soon as Feb. 6. 5
