NASA Awards $116.9 Million Lunar Contract to Intuitive Machines Amidst SpaceX and Boeing Developments

Intuitive Machines secures a $116.9 million contract from NASA to deliver payloads to the Moon's south pole, part of NASA's lunar mission initiative. NASA is adjusting its Crew-9 lineup for a SpaceX flight, and Boeing's Starliner is set for an undocking review. SpaceX may resume Falcon 9 flights, while JPL engineers test Antarctic probes and new findings emphasize early cardiovascular risk assessments for women.

In a significant development for lunar exploration, NASA awarded Intuitive Machines a $116.9 million contract to deliver payloads to the Moon's south pole. This contract is Intuitive's fourth under NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative, boosting the company's shares by 16%.

Meanwhile, NASA is revising its Crew-9 lineup for an upcoming SpaceX flight. NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will replace Zena Cardman and Stephanie Wilson, who are aboard the ISS following their arrival on Boeing's Starliner capsule. Additionally, NASA plans for the undocking of Boeing's uncrewed Starliner capsule not before September 6.

SpaceX's Falcon 9 may soon return to flight operations, pending FAA approval and completion of ongoing investigations. Engineers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory are also making strides in climate research with the development of underwater robot probes to assess melting ice in Antarctica.

(With inputs from agencies.)