Intuitive Machines (LUNR) Rockets 10.7% as Analyst Sees Strong Year for Space Stocks

We recently published 10 Firms Making Effortless 10-40% Gains. Intuitive Machines Inc. (NASDAQ:LUNR) was one of Friday's top performers.

Intuitive Machines saw its share prices jump by 10.67 percent on Friday to finish at $21.58 apiece as investors took heart from Morgan Stanley’s bullish comments about the space industry for 2026.

In a market report, Morgan Stanley underscored a “banner year” for the space sector in 2025, with optimism expected to spill over in 2026.

This year’s outlook, it said, will be fueled by higher launch cadences, new product introductions, and market maturation, as well as the US government’s support of the industry through implementing policies for its expansion.

Optimism sparked buying positions in key players, namely Intuitive Machines Inc. (NASDAQ:LUNR), Firefly Aerospace, Rocket Lab, and MDA, among others.

In other developments, Intuitive Machines Inc. (NASDAQ:LUNR) strengthened its position as a vertically integrated space player following the successful acquisition of spacecraft manufacturer Lanteris Space Systems for $800 million.

Under the terms of the agreement, Intuitive Machines Inc. (NASDAQ:LUNR) acquired Lanteris through a combination of $450 million in cash payments and the issuance of $350 million worth of Intuitive Machines Class A common stock.

According to the listed firm, the acquisition strengthens its ability to service future Golden Dome, Space Development Agency layered architecture, and NASA’s Artemis and Lunar Terrain Vehicle initiatives, as well as future Mars telecommunications missions.

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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.