Intuitive Machines Acquires KinetX for $30M to Boost Lunar Data Relay
Intuitive Machines, the space technology company, has acquired KinetX, a space infrastructure specialist, in a deal worth $30 million. The acquisition, announced in August, saw Intuitive Machines' stock ($LUNR) briefly rise by around 6% but closed at roughly the same level as the market open.
The acquisition was made up of $15 million in cash and approximately 1.4 million shares of Intuitive Machines' common stock. KinetX, founded in 1992, brings with it 30 years of experience in space infrastructure, having worked on numerous NASA missions and with the US military and commercial customers for constellation management. In 2024, KinetX generated $9.8 million in revenue.
Intuitive Machines plans to leverage KinetX's expertise to connect its lunar and deep space infrastructure, specifically for data relay. The company aims to own an entire cislunar architecture, from the lunar surface to operations in deep space. Intuitive Machines CEO Steve Altemus expressed confidence that the acquisition will ensure secure and precise operations across the solar system. KinetX, having previously worked alongside Intuitive Machines, has now officially joined its family.
The acquisition of KinetX by Intuitive Machines, valued at $30 million, brings together two companies with significant expertise in space technology. Intuitive Machines aims to use KinetX's capabilities to enhance its cislunar architecture, with the ultimate goal of secure and precise operations throughout the solar system.
