SpaceX, Blue Origin Winners As NASA Awards $10 Bil In Moon Base Contracts

Lockheed Martin plans to invest over $8 billion by 2030 to expand missile production, including PAC-3, THAAD, JATM, and PrSM. The company will add 2 million sq. ft. of manufacturing space, hire 3,000 workers, and secure contracts worth up to $58.6 billion. CEO Jim Taiclet stated the expansion is financed through flexible payment terms and inflation-indexed pricing. (Defence Industry Europe, Nov. 8, 2026)

NASA announced up to $10 billion in contracts for lunar cargo deliveries and infrastructure, including a new CLPS 2 framework and a nuclear-powered lunar rover. Eight companies, including Blue Origin and SpaceX, were selected to compete for missions. NASA also increased the maximum value of its existing CLPS contract to $4.2 billion.

Lockheed Martin's Sikorsky has won a contract to supply its S-92A+ helicopter to the Republic of Korea Air Force for presidential transport. The deal includes mission-specific equipment and sustainment support. The S-92A+ features enhanced engines and a new main gearbox. Sikorsky has delivered over 300 S-92 aircraft globally.

Lockheed Martin (LMT) and Palantir (PLTR) both beat Q3 estimates and raised guidance. Lockheed reported $7.97 EPS on $20.71B revenue, driven by missiles, while Palantir grew revenue 95.9% to $2.31B. Both stocks fell post-election, with Lockheed up 19.38% YTD and Palantir down 9.77%. Lockheed's long-term contracts and backlog may cushion budget cuts, while Palantir's growth depends on commercial demand and contract renewals.

NASA plans to allocate over $15 billion for its Moon base program, selecting eight companies, including SpaceX and Blue Origin, for lunar lander development. It increased its CLPS contract value to $4.2 billion and awarded $1.3 billion for launch services. NASA also announced a new astronaut recruitment drive for Moon and Mars missions.

NASA announced $10B in contracts for moon base development, including CLPS 2 framework, VADR program, and a nuclear-powered rover. Eight companies, including Blue Origin and SpaceX, were selected for missions. Blue Origin received a $94M contract for the PROMISE rover. The plans support NASA's Phase One Moon Base strategy, aiming for a 2032 completion.