- Intuitive Machines will acquire Goonhilly and COMSAT
- Deal expands Intuitive Machines’ lunar and cislunar infrastructure capabilities
- Acquisition strengthens push toward integrated space communications services
Intuitive Machines is acquiring U.K.-based Goonhilly Earth Station and Goonhilly USA, doing business as COMSAT, to strengthen its integrated space-to-ground network for future lunar and cislunar operations.
The Houston-based space infrastructure company said Thursday the acquisition will add 44 antennas and expand capabilities supporting deep space communications; data relay; spacecraft command and control; and position, navigation and timing services.
The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals, including review under the UK National Security and Investment Act and approval from the Federal Communications Commission.
Why Is Intuitive Machines Acquiring Goonhilly?
The acquisition advances Intuitive Machines’ strategy to build an integrated communications and infrastructure network spanning low-Earth orbit, lunar operations and cislunar space.
“Customers have been clear that they want a single, integrated, and resilient solution for their communications and PNT needs as they accelerate missions at an unprecedented pace,” said Steve Altemus, co-founder and CEO of Intuitive Machines.
Under the deal, Goonhilly’s deep space communications assets — including its 32-meter GHY6 antenna and cryogenically cooled 30-meter GHY3 antenna — will become part of Intuitive Machines’ network architecture.
The expanded network is expected to improve coverage for lunar and deep-space missions while increasing contact opportunities through Goonhilly’s strategic U.K. location.
How Does the Deal Fit Into Intuitive Machines’ Broader Space Infrastructure Push?
The acquisition continues Intuitive Machines’ effort to evolve from a lunar transportation company into a vertically integrated space infrastructure provider supporting communications, navigation and operational services across multiple orbital domains.
In January, the company completed its acquisition of spacecraft manufacturer Lanteris Space Systems, formerly Maxar Space Systems, for approximately $800 million. The company later secured a $175 million strategic equity investment to accelerate satellite communications and in-space data processing capabilities.
Intuitive Machines also recently secured a $180.4 million NASA task order supporting the IM-5 lunar South Pole mission under the Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative.
What Capabilities Does Goonhilly Add?
Goonhilly provides communications, space domain awareness and satellite services for civil, commercial and government customers.
The acquisition includes Goonhilly’s lunar and deep space communications, defense and security, and commercial satcom divisions, along with U.S.-based COMSAT operations.
“Together, we will be creating a commercial lunar communications network that is interoperable, resilient, and ready to support Artemis and international missions,” said Kenn Herskind, executive chairman of Goonhilly.
The combined network is expected to support spacecraft communications across X-band, S-band and Ka-/Ku-band frequencies.
How Does This Align With National Security Space Priorities?
The acquisition comes as government and defense organizations continue increasing investment in resilient space communications, cislunar infrastructure and space domain awareness capabilities.
Intuitive Machines was recently selected as one of 14 companies on the Air Force’s $1.8 billion Andromeda contract vehicle supporting advanced space domain awareness systems.
