SEOPS and Intuitive Machines team up for lunar payload delivery
Operations to commence after 2025
SEOPS, a prominent provider of responsive space mission services, has entered a strategic partnership with Intuitive Machines.
The new collaboration between the two US-based companies will see Intuitive Machines providing rideshare delivery services for SEOPS, extending its reach beyond low Earth orbit (LEO) to include a variety of destinations, from the Moon’s surface to geostationary transfer orbit and key Lagrange points between Earth and the Moon, with operations commencing after 2025.
The agreement capitalises on Intuitive Machines’ robust lunar exploration record of accomplishment and forthcoming IM-2 and IM-3 missions.
These capabilities and the company’s proficiency in delivering commercial assets to orbit will enable SEOPS to enhance its deployment services and offer expanded orbital destination options.
Chad Brinkley, CEO of SEOPS, said: “We have observed a notable surge in interest for lunar missions from both government and commercial sectors.
“Intuitive Machines’ rideshare services are a perfect fit for this growing demand. By leveraging their excess capacity on lunar missions, we can support our clients’ lunar exploration ambitions and continue to tackle complex launch challenges. We are thrilled to partner with Intuitive Machines to broaden our rideshare offerings to include cislunar destinations and beyond.”
Steve Altemus, CEO of Intuitive Machines, added: “The space industry’s aspirations are more ambitious than ever. SEOPS’ decision to trust us with their payload delivery underscores our commitment to providing essential infrastructure and services that support pioneering commercial space endeavours.”
SEOPS brings a wealth of experience with its extensive expertise in payload integration, mission management, and deployment solutions to the collaboration with Intuitive Machines.
The company has managed over 400 satellite deployments for notable clients, including the US Space Force, NRO, and NASA, and has overseen 16 rideshare launches, including missions for SpaceX’s Transporter and International Space Station cargo rendezvous.
The new partnership represents a significant leap forward in the space industry. It combines SEOPS’ operational proficiency with Intuitive Machines’ innovative lunar delivery capabilities to offer a new range of services and opportunities in space exploration.
Featured image: Intuitive Machines specialises in innovative lunar delivery capabilities. Credit: Intuitive Machines
