Shares of Intuitive Machines (LUNR) surged 10.96% on Friday after the company announced it has been awarded a $2.5 million study contract from NASA to advance lunar logistics handling, offloading, surface cargo transportation, and mobility solutions.

The contract falls under NASA's Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnership (NextSTEP) Appendix R program, aimed at advancing strategies to manage daily challenges of operating on the lunar surface as part of the agency's Artemis Moon to Mars architecture. Intuitive Machines plans to use the one-year contract to focus on technologies related to transporting lunar payloads using its heavy-cargo-class lunar landers currently in development, as well as expanding its surface mobility expertise.

This NASA award underscores Intuitive Machines' growing role in supporting the agency's ambitious Artemis program for human exploration of the Moon and Mars. With proven expertise in lunar delivery, data transmission, and infrastructure services, the company is well-positioned to provide innovative logistics and mobility solutions to establish a sustained presence on the lunar surface, paving the way for deeper space exploration missions.