In a bold step that could redefine the company’s trajectory, Intuitive Machines Inc. announced Tuesday that it will acquire Lanteris Space Systems from Advent International for $800 million, a transformative move that will propel the Houston-based space innovator from a lunar specialist into a fully integrated space prime.

The high-stakes acquisition, guided by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP for Intuitive and Weil Gotshal & Manges LLP for Advent, marks one of the most significant consolidations in the space technology sector this year.

From Lunar Lander to Space Powerhouse

Intuitive Machines, long celebrated for its NASA lunar missions, said the addition of Lanteris — a spacecraft manufacturer with a stellar record across national security, civil, and commercial sectors — will radically expand its capabilities.

“This strategic acquisition positions Intuitive Machines as a next-generation space prime directly in the flow of multi-billion-dollar space programs,” said CEO Steve Altemus. “It’s the moment we evolve from a lunar company to a multi-domain space prime, setting the pace for how the next generation of the industry will operate.”

The merger transforms Intuitive into a vertically integrated space-infrastructure powerhouse, able to design, manufacture, and operate spacecraft from Earth orbit to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

A Deep-Space Legacy Meets a Modern Vision

Lanteris Space Systems, once the spacecraft manufacturing arm of Maxar Technologies, brings decades of engineering heritage in large satellite construction. Its proven track record strengthens Intuitive Machines’ ambition to compete head-to-head with the biggest names in aerospace.

For Advent International, which acquired Maxar for $6.4 billion in 2023, the sale marks the next phase of its investment strategy — one that will still see the private equity firm retain an equity stake in Lanteris.

“Our focus over the last two and a half years has been on sustainable growth and national security priorities — including enabling next-generation missile defense for America,” said Shonnel Malani, Advent’s managing partner. “Our ongoing equity partnership underscores confidence in the strength of this business combination and the long-term opportunity ahead.”

The Structure of the Deal

The $800 million transaction includes $450 million in cash and $350 million in Intuitive Machines Class A common stock, subject to adjustments. The companies expect the acquisition to close in the first quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and closing conditions.

The Simpson Thacher legal team leading the deal is spearheaded by partners Anthony Vernace and Mark Viera, while details on the Weil Gotshal counsel team have not yet been disclosed.

A New Era for Intuitive Machines

This acquisition underscores a broader trend in the space sector — the rise of “space primes” capable of delivering comprehensive solutions across the commercial, civil, and defense domains.

For Intuitive Machines, the deal signals its intent to move beyond lunar landers and establish itself as a top-tier player in global space infrastructure. With Lanteris’ engineering might and Advent’s continued backing, the company is positioning itself to compete in a rapidly evolving new space race — one where the frontier is not just the Moon, but the entire solar system.