NASA is gearing up for its Artemis II test flight at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Although the mission won’t land on the Moon, it marks a key step toward a planned lunar landing in 2028 and the agency’s long-term goal of establishing a sustained human presence there. Amid this backdrop, the mission is drawing renewed attention to the broader space sector, including areas like propulsion and launch services. As a result, stocks such as Lockheed Martin (LMT), Intuitive Machines (LUNR), and Northrop Grumman (NOC) are catching investors’ attention.
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For context, NASA’s Artemis II mission will send four astronauts on a 10-day journey around Earth and the Moon, with liftoff scheduled for April 1. The mission will also mark the first time the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion capsule carry astronauts into space.
Let’s look at these stocks in detail.
Lockheed Martin (LMT)
Lockheed Martin is an aerospace and defense company that plays a key role in space exploration through NASA programs. The company builds the Orion crew capsule for the Artemis missions. It also develops advanced space systems such as satellites, missile defense, and deep-space technologies, making it a key player in the global space industry. Year-to-date, LMT stock has gained roughly 24%.
In Q4 2025, Lockheed Martin’s Space segment reported $3.16 billion in revenue, up 8% year over year, with an operating margin of 8.6%. The Orion program is part of this segment, and each successful mission milestone can drive additional contract activity. Overall, the company ended 2025 with a record backlog of $194 billion, highlighting strong long-term demand.
On TipRanks, LMT stock has a Hold rating backed by three Buy and 11 Holds assigned in the last three months. The average share price target for Lockheed Martin is $674.08, which implies an upside of 12.6%.
Intuitive Machines (LUNR)
Intuitive Machines is a lunar exploration company focused on NASA missions, including moon landers and space infrastructure. The Artemis II mission is more than a one-time event—it helps validate and accelerate the entire lunar ecosystem. For Intuitive Machines, that could translate into more contracts, recurring revenue opportunities, and a stronger role as a key infrastructure provider on the Moon.
Intuitive Machines has already been selected to support and track Artemis II through its Space Data Network and ground systems. In 2024, NASA awarded the company a Near Space Network contract worth up to ~$4.8 billion to provide communication and navigation services for future lunar missions tied to the Artemis program, strengthening its long-term growth outlook. The contract includes a five-year base period with an additional five-year option.
Turning to Wall Street, the analysts’ consensus rating for Intuitive Machines stock is Strong Buy, based on eight Buy and one Hold rating over the past three months. With that comes an average LUNR stock price target of $24.38, representing a potential 49% upside for the shares.
Northrop Grumman (NOC)
Northrop develops advanced systems for space, defense, and national security, including key components for NASA’s missions.
NASA’s Artemis program is a key growth driver for Northrop. The company serves as a key supplier by building the solid rocket boosters for the SLS which powers Artemis launches. It is also developing the HALO (Habitation and Logistics Outpost) module for NASA’s planned lunar Gateway space station. As Artemis missions continue and lunar activity expands, Northrop stands to benefit from follow-on contracts and long-term revenue visibility.
According to TipRanks, NOC stock has received a Moderate Buy consensus rating, with 10 Buys and five Holds assigned in the last three months. The average price target for Northrop Grumman is $749.36, suggesting a potential upside of 11.6% from the current level.
