NASA Awards $40.6M Contract to Intuitive Machines for Lunar Hopper Development
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $40,595,337 ($40.6M)
Contractor: Intuitive Machines, LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2021-03-01
End Date: 2025-10-01
Contract Duration: 1,675 days
Daily Burn Rate: $24.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 31
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: DEPLOYABLE HOPPER FOR EXTREME LUNAR SURFACE ACCESS. DEVELOP AND DEMONSTRATE A SMALL ROBOTIC HOPPER, DEPLOYED AS A SECONDARY PAYLOAD FROM THE NOVA-C LANDER, THAT CAN PROVIDE ACCESS TO EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS AND LOCATIONS OF INTEREST ON THE LUNAR SURFACE
Place of Performance
Location: HOUSTON, HARRIS County, TEXAS, 77058
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $40.6 million to INTUITIVE MACHINES, LLC for work described as: DEPLOYABLE HOPPER FOR EXTREME LUNAR SURFACE ACCESS. DEVELOP AND DEMONSTRATE A SMALL ROBOTIC HOPPER, DEPLOYED AS A SECONDARY PAYLOAD FROM THE NOVA-C LANDER, THAT CAN PROVIDE ACCESS TO EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS AND LOCATIONS OF INTEREST ON THE LUNAR SURFACE Key points: 1. Focuses on developing a robotic lunar hopper for extreme surface access. 2. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting market availability. 3. Potential risks include technical feasibility and performance in lunar environments. 4. Sector is R&D, specifically physical and engineering sciences for space exploration.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The $40.6 million contract value appears reasonable for a novel R&D project involving robotic lunar exploration hardware. Benchmarking against similar complex robotic development contracts is difficult due to the unique nature of lunar surface access.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that multiple capable vendors could have bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being invested in advancing space exploration technology, with potential long-term benefits from lunar resource utilization and scientific discovery.
Public Impact
Enhances NASA's lunar exploration capabilities with advanced robotic mobility. Supports the development of technologies crucial for future deep space missions. Could lead to new scientific discoveries by accessing previously unreachable lunar areas. Stimulates innovation in the commercial space sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Technical complexity of lunar operations
- Reliability of robotic systems in extreme environments
- Integration with Nova-C lander payload
Positive Signals
- Advancement of space exploration technology
- Potential for commercial space sector growth
- Leverages existing lunar lander infrastructure
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical and engineering sciences for space applications. Spending in this area is critical for technological advancement and national competitiveness in space exploration.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Intuitive Machines, LLC, a commercial entity. While the data does not explicitly state small business involvement, large prime contracts often have subcontracting opportunities for small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's oversight will be crucial to ensure the successful development and demonstration of the lunar hopper, managing technical risks and adherence to project milestones within the allocated budget.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Unproven technology in extreme lunar conditions
- Dependency on Nova-C lander for deployment
- Potential for mission failure during development or testing
- Cost overruns in complex R&D projects
- Limited operational lifespan of robotic systems
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, tx, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $40.6 million to INTUITIVE MACHINES, LLC. DEPLOYABLE HOPPER FOR EXTREME LUNAR SURFACE ACCESS. DEVELOP AND DEMONSTRATE A SMALL ROBOTIC HOPPER, DEPLOYED AS A SECONDARY PAYLOAD FROM THE NOVA-C LANDER, THAT CAN PROVIDE ACCESS TO EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS AND LOCATIONS OF INTEREST ON THE LUNAR SURFACE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is INTUITIVE MACHINES, LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $40.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-03-01. End: 2025-10-01.
What is the projected scientific or commercial return on investment for this lunar hopper technology?
The return on investment is primarily long-term and multifaceted. Scientifically, it enables access to unique lunar terrains for sample collection and in-situ analysis, potentially unlocking secrets about lunar geology and the solar system's history. Commercially, it could pave the way for future lunar resource prospecting, infrastructure development, and specialized services, creating new markets in the burgeoning space economy.
What are the primary technical risks associated with developing a hopper for extreme lunar environments?
Key technical risks include ensuring the hopper's structural integrity and operational reliability under extreme temperature fluctuations, radiation, and abrasive lunar dust. The hopping mechanism itself presents challenges in precise navigation, controlled landings, and energy management for extended surface operations. Furthermore, successful deployment and communication as a secondary payload from the Nova-C lander require robust integration and testing.
How will the success of this lunar hopper contribute to NASA's broader Artemis program goals?
The lunar hopper directly supports the Artemis program by providing enhanced mobility and access to scientifically interesting or resource-rich locations beyond the immediate landing site. It allows for more extensive surface exploration, potentially identifying resources like water ice crucial for sustainable lunar presence. Its development also fosters the commercial space capabilities that NASA relies on for lunar surface logistics and operations.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Space R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: 80HQTR20NOA01
Offers Received: 31
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 3700 BAY AREA BLVD STE 100, HOUSTON, TX, 77058
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $40,595,337
Exercised Options: $40,595,337
Current Obligation: $40,595,337
Actual Outlays: $40,595,337
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-03-01
Current End Date: 2025-10-01
Potential End Date: 2025-10-01 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-15
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