Intuitive Machines to Acquire Goonhilly Earth Station and COMSAT

Intuitive Machines, a space technology, infrastructure, and services leader, led by Stephen Altemus and the team, has announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Goonhilly Earth Station Ltd. (“Goonhilly”), a world-class deep space communications provider with major ground station assets in the United Kingdom and Goonhilly USA Inc. (dba COMSAT).

The acquisition, including Goonhilly’s lunar and deep space communications, commercial satcom, and defense and security divisions, expands Intuitive Machines’ integrated space-to-ground network.

Once completed, the expanded system is expected to support communications, data transport, and position, navigation, and timing (PNT) capabilities for sustained lunar and cislunar operations.

Goonhilly’s and COMSAT’s civil, commercial, and government customers are expected to complement Intuitive Machines’ existing base and expand its reach into adjacent industries.

The acquisition also enhances coverage for lunar and deep-space missions through Goonhilly’s UK location and strengthens end-to-end mission support with its expertise in antenna operations, scheduling, and station maintenance.

“Customers want a single, integrated, and resilient solution for communications and PNT as mission cadence increases,” said Steve Altemus. “Intuitive Machines is building an integrated space-to-ground network for LEO, lunar, and cislunar missions, with Goonhilly serving as a key backbone that expands global coverage and strengthens core capabilities.”

Intuitive Machines’ space-to-ground network combines a lunar relay constellation with a global ground segment to maintain continuous lunar communications.

Goonhilly adds deep-space infrastructure, including large antennas and multiband support across X-, S-, and Ka-/Ku-bands, increasing flexibility and coverage for lunar and deep-space missions.

“Goonhilly has built a world-class deep space communications capability,” said Kenn Herskind. “Joining Intuitive Machines will help scale this capability globally and support the next era of lunar exploration through a resilient, interoperable commercial communications network.”

The transaction is expected to close in Q3 2026, subject to customary conditions, including regulatory approvals under the UK National Security and Investment Act 2021 and from the US Federal Communications Commission.