On May 14, 2026, Intuitive Machines (Nasdaq: LUNR) announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Goonhilly Earth Station Ltd, the United Kingdom’s leading provider of lunar and deep space communications.
The acquisition, which includes the US-based subsidiary Goonhilly USA Inc (operating as COMSAT), is intended to create a vertically integrated space-to-ground network capable of supporting missions from low Earth orbit to deep space.
Strategic Expansion of Ground-to-Space Infrastructure
The acquisition significantly scales Intuitive Machines’ infrastructure by adding 44 antennas across operational sites in both the UK and the US. By integrating Goonhilly’s world-class assets—including the 32-meter GHY6 and cryogenically cooled 30-meter GHY3 antennas—Intuitive Machines aims to establish a persistent, line-of-sight communication link between Earth and the Moon.
This move follows years of close collaboration between the two companies, most notably during Intuitive Machines’ IM-1 and IM-2 lunar missions. The expanded network is designed to deliver a single, resilient solution for data transport and position, navigation, and timing (PNT) services. This capability is critical for national security and commercial customers as they accelerate the establishment of permanent lunar bases and cislunar operations.
Integration and Continued Operations in the UK
Under the terms of the agreement, Goonhilly will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Intuitive Machines, retaining its UK identity and its strategic base in Cornwall. This ensures that the acquisition complies with the UK National Security and Investment Act 2021 while providing Goonhilly with the global resources and capital required to scale its deep space capabilities.
Goonhilly’s existing relationships with the European Space Agency (ESA) and various national security organizations are expected to complement Intuitive Machines’ record 1.1 billion dollar backlog. The acquisition includes Goonhilly’s Lunar and Deep Space Communications, Commercial Satcom, and Defense and Security divisions, ensuring a broad reach into both civil and military sectors.
CEO Perspectives and Ministerial Support
Steve Altemus, co-founder and CEO of Intuitive Machines, noted that customers are increasingly demanding integrated solutions for their communications and PNT needs. He stated that Goonhilly will provide the backbone for a global ground presence, bringing a strategic core competency to the Intuitive Machines team. Kenn Herskind, Executive Chairman of Goonhilly, echoed this sentiment, noting that joining Intuitive Machines allows the company to support the next era of lunar exploration on a global scale.
The UK government has also signaled its support for the transaction. Space Minister Liz Lloyd described Goonhilly as a uniquely British success story and suggested the acquisition has the potential to bring new investment and opportunities to the UK space sector while maintaining world-class capabilities in Cornwall.
Financial Outlook and Timeline to Completion
The announcement coincided with Intuitive Machines’ first-quarter 2026 financial results, which reported record quarterly revenue and a positive adjusted EBITDA of 2.7 million dollars. The company has raised its full-year 2026 revenue guidance to a range of 900 million to 1 billion dollars.
The acquisition is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals from the US Federal Communications Commission and UK authorities. Until the deal is finalized, Goonhilly has committed to a smooth transition for its existing customers without disruption to ongoing satellite and deep space services.
