NASA selects 8 companies for new lunar cargo delivery program

The US approved a potential $1.075B sale of 11 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and related equipment to Mexico. Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary, is the prime contractor. The sale aims to bolster Mexico's anti-drug operations. A final contract is pending.

Lockheed Martin will pay $29.5M to settle U.S. allegations of bias in employment decisions and false compliance claims. The DOJ accused the company of adjusting pay decisions based on race or sex. Lockheed denies wrongdoing but settled to avoid litigation. The agreement includes $22M for False Claims Act violations and $7.5M for affected workers. The case involved a compensation program and DEI practices. Lockheed must ensure merit-based decisions and faces oversight.

Firefly Aerospace (FLY) was selected as a vendor for NASA's $10 billion CLPS 2 initiative, allowing it to compete for lunar mission task orders over a 10-year period. The company aims to scale up its lander capabilities to support NASA's lunar exploration and infrastructure goals. Firefly has previously demonstrated success with its Blue Ghost Mission 1, which landed on the Moon in March 2025.

Firefly Aerospace (FLY) has been added to NASA's $10 billion Moon-delivery program, CLPS 2, to compete for future work. The company will scale its Blue Ghost lander to deliver heavier cargo and critical infrastructure for NASA's Moon Base and Artemis program. Firefly has a track record of successful Moon landings and additional missions under CLPS 1.

The U.S. approved a $1.075B sale of 11 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters to Mexico, the largest rotary-wing deal in years. The package includes engines, navigation systems, and weapons. Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary, is the principal contractor. The deal must pass a Congressional review period. If finalized, Mexico's Black Hawk fleet will expand by 61%.

AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) announced plans to build its own reusable rocket, Blacklift, for launching satellites starting in late 2028. Firefly Aerospace (FLY) will supply engines, valued at over $1.3B. ASTS shares rose 7.05%, while FLY surged 36.8%. The deal includes $800M upfront, including ASTS shares, and adds to ASTS's cash burn and dilution.