NASA Awards $116.9M Contract to Intuitive Machines for Moon Mission

NASA has awarded a $116.9 million contract to Intuitive Machines to deliver six science and technology payloads to the Moon's south pole. Additionally, changes in crew lineups for an upcoming SpaceX flight and Boeing's Starliner return plans were announced. Further investigation into SpaceX's Falcon 9 is ongoing.

NASA has awarded a $116.9 million contract to Intuitive Machines for the delivery of six science and technology payloads to the Moon's south pole. This marks Intuitive Machines' fourth contract as part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative, sending the company's shares up 16% after the announcement.

NASA also announced adjustments to the crew for an upcoming SpaceX flight to accommodate astronauts currently aboard the International Space Station. This involves replacing Zena Cardman and Stephanie Wilson with NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams.

Meanwhile, NASA disclosed that the uncrewed Boeing Starliner capsule will complete its undocking from the ISS no earlier than September 6. Furthermore, the Federal Aviation Administration grounded SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket after a failed landing attempt during a Starlink mission. The FAA, however, has approved SpaceX's proposal to resume flights while the investigation continues.

(With inputs from agencies.)