Intuitive Machines Inc (NASDAQ:LUNR) shares are moving higher on Tuesday. The company announced that L3Harris Technologies has chosen its subsidiary, Lanteris Space Systems, to help develop and produce spacecraft platforms for the Space Development Agency's Tranche 3 Tracking Layer.
The news is landing at a moment when the conflict in the Middle East continues to escalate.
L3Harris Contract Expands Intuitive Machines' Missile‑Tracking Role
Intuitive Machines said Lanteris Space Systems will design, build and deliver 18 next‑generation spacecraft platforms for the SDA's Tranche 3 Tracking Layer, part of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture. These satellites will support real‑time tracking of advanced missile threats — including hypersonic and ballistic systems — a mission that seems to be increasingly urgent.
CEO Steve Altemus said the award builds on the company's track record with earlier SDA tracking programs and reflects its focus on building scalable spacecraft platforms capable of supporting complex, persistent defense missions.
A Geopolitical Backdrop That Raises The Stakes
The U.S.–Israel–Iran conflict has now entered its fourth day, with Iran's Red Crescent reporting 787 deaths since U.S. and Israeli strikes began on Saturday. The UAE Defense Ministry said it detected 812 drones launched from Iran, intercepting 755, while dozens landed inside its territory.
Israel has reported Iranian missile strikes in central Israel, and Hezbollah says it has launched missiles into the Upper Galilee.
Technical Setup Shows Bullish Momentum, Near‑Term Caution
Intuitive Machines is currently trading above its key moving averages, indicating a bullish setup for traders. The stock is positioned well above its 20-day and 50-day SMAs, suggesting strong upward momentum in the near term.
The RSI is at 51.41, which is neutral, indicating that the stock is neither overbought nor oversold, suggesting there could be room for further price movement without an immediate reversal. MACD is below its signal line, indicating bearish pressure in the short-term. Traders should be cautious as this could signal a potential pullback or consolidation phase.
Key support is at $17.00, while resistance is at $19.00. If Intuitive Machines tests the support level, it could indicate a trend reversal, while a break above resistance might signal a continuation of the current uptrend.
The golden cross in November, when the 50-day SMA crossed above the 200-day SMA, marked a significant shift in trend direction. This crossover typically indicates a longer-term bullish trend, which traders should keep in mind.
Over the past 12 months, Intuitive Machines has gained 39.75%, reflecting strong overall performance. This longer-term trend reinforces the bullish sentiment, especially given the stock’s current positioning near the upper end of its 52-week range.
Currently, Intuitive Machines is trading at 73.8% of its 52-week range, suggesting it is closer to its highs than its lows. This positioning could attract bullish traders looking for momentum to continue.
LUNR Price Action: Intuitive Machines shares were up 3.45% at $18.61 at the time of publication on Tuesday, according to Benzinga Pro.
Image: Shutterstock
