Intuitive Machines Wins L3Harris Selection for 18 Missile Tracking Spacecraft

Intuitive Machines has been selected by L3Harris Technologies to design, build, and deliver 18 spacecraft platforms for the Space Development Agency's Accelerated Missile Defense Tranche 3 mission. The selection, announced August 4, 2026, expands the Houston company beyond its lunar lander work into national security space and America's missile defense architecture.

The Accelerated Missile Defense Tranche 3, or AMDT3, supports the Golden Dome for America's space-based capabilities. The mission is aimed at advancing homeland defense, deterrence, and ensuring U.S. space operations remain resilient and responsive.

Intuitive Machines, which trades on Nasdaq under the ticker LUNR, will supply the spacecraft platforms that enable L3Harris' missile defense solutions for hypersonic and ballistic missile tracking. The company stated that AMDT3 builds on prior Tracking Layer mission selections.

The 18 spacecraft will be built on the IM 300 platform, the same platform used for the upcoming Tranche 1, Tranche 2, and Tranche 3 Tracking Layer missions. According to the company, the IM 300 supports missions ranging from Earth observation to connectivity and defense, with adaptability and efficient manufacturing processes. No contract value was disclosed in the announcement.

"AMDT3 builds on a foundation of proven performance and mission trust established through our previous Tracking Layer mission selections. We look forward to continuing to support this important mission with L3Harris and the Space Development Agency," said Intuitive Machines President of Space Systems, Chris Johnson. "We are committed to delivering spacecraft platforms and integrated systems that enable sustained, scalable operations across demanding mission architectures."

Intuitive Machines describes itself as a space infrastructure company that builds spacecraft, connects networks, and operates infrastructure as a service for commercial, civil, and national security customers. The company states it has built over 300 spacecraft, delivered over 260 kilograms of payload to the lunar surface, and provided precision navigation used to guide spacecraft across the solar system.

Johnson said the company is committed to delivering spacecraft platforms and integrated systems that enable sustained, scalable operations across demanding mission architectures. The selection marks continued involvement in the Space Development Agency's Tracking Layer, which underpins the missile warning and tracking mission for Golden Dome.

The next steps center on the design, build, and delivery of the 18 spacecraft platforms for the AMDT3 mission, alongside the company's separate work on the Tranche 1, Tranche 2, and Tranche 3 Tracking Layer missions built on the IM 300 platform.