Intuitive Machines has secured a significant contract from NASA, valued at up to $4.82 billion, to develop a Near Space Network for communication and navigation services, essential for future lunar missions. This contract includes a five-year base period beginning October 1, 2024, and an option for an additional five years, potentially extending to 2034. The company plans to deploy a lunar satellite constellation that will enhance data transmission and autonomous operations, supporting NASA's Artemis campaign to establish a long-term presence on the Moon. This initiative aims to improve communication capabilities, particularly for missions near the Moon's South Pole, where direct line-of-sight communications with Earth are limited. Intuitive Machines previously made headlines as the first private entity to land on the Moon and is expected to play a key role in advancing lunar exploration. Following the announcement, shares of Intuitive Machines saw a 38% increase in value.