Intuitive Machines To Acquire Goonhilly Earth Station

Intuitive Machines Expands Lunar Communications Stack with Goonhilly Acquisition

Intuitive Machines is continuing its aggressive expansion strategy with the acquisition of Goonhilly Earth Station Ltd., a U.K.-based operator of deep space communication antennas and ground station services.

The deal strengthens Intuitive Machines’ growing space-to-Earth infrastructure stack, adding expanded deep space communications, data relay, and Position Navigation and Timing (PNT) capabilities as the company scales its lunar and cislunar ambitions.

The acquisition marks Intuitive Machines’ third recent strategic buyout following its acquisitions of Lanteris Space Systems and KinetX. Together, the moves position the company as a vertically integrated provider spanning spacecraft manufacturing, navigation, communications, and orbital infrastructure.

CEO Stephen Altemus said the additions are helping build a resilient multi-domain network capable of supporting operations across Low Earth Orbit, lunar orbit, and cislunar space.

The acquisition also includes Comsat, Goonhilly’s U.S. subsidiary, bringing the combined network to 44 antennas across the U.S. and U.K.

Intuitive Machines was selected in 2024 to develop a lunar communications constellation for NASA’s Near Space Network, with the company expecting to launch its first lunar data relay satellite later this year alongside the IM-3 lunar mission.

Image Credits: Goonhilly Earth Station Ltd.