Intuitive Machines vs. Virgin Galactic: Which Has More Potential?

Growing investments in space exploration, increasing government support and rising interest in commercial space activities continue to drive opportunities across the space industry. NASA programs and the expansion of commercial space missions have also increased investor attention toward companies such as Intuitive Machines LUNR and Virgin Galactic Holdings SPCE.

Intuitive Machines focuses on lunar exploration and space infrastructure, developing lunar landers, spacecraft and related technologies for NASA and commercial missions. In contrast, Virgin Galactic specializes in commercial human spaceflight, developing and operating spaceflight systems designed to provide suborbital experiences for private and research customers.

As the space industry advances through new technologies, government programs and commercial applications, both LUNR and SPCE remain closely watched by investors. This raises an important question: which stock currently offers the better investment opportunity?

Tailwinds for LUNR

Intuitive Machines is benefiting from growing demand for space infrastructure, satellite services and lunar exploration, supported by rising investments from commercial and government customers. The company’s expanding role across satellite and space technology markets is creating new opportunities for growth.

In September 2026, Intuitive Machines completed the handover of the SXM-11 satellite to SiriusXM following successful in-orbit testing. The geostationary communications satellite became fully operational after being successfully launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on June 28, 2026. The milestone highlights Intuitive Machines’ growing capabilities in satellite infrastructure and space services.

The company is also expanding its platform business. In September 2026, Intuitive Machines received a contract to build two IM-300 series platforms for a new, undisclosed customer. The award further strengthens the company’s commercial space portfolio and demonstrates demand for its space infrastructure solutions.

With continued progress across satellite, space infrastructure and lunar-related programs, Intuitive Machines remains positioned to benefit from increasing activity and investment across the broader space industry.

Tailwinds for SPCE

Virgin Galactic is benefiting from strong demand for commercial spaceflight, with growing customer interest supporting its future revenue potential. Recent bookings and progress toward commercial operations provide important tailwinds as the company prepares to expand its spaceflight services.

In August 2026, Virgin Galactic announced that its latest tranche of spaceflight expeditions, priced at $750,000, was oversubscribed and sold out ahead of schedule. The bookings are expected to add more than $50 million to future spaceflight revenues. The company also plans to release another tranche at higher price points this fall, signaling continued demand for its commercial spaceflight offerings.

Virgin Galactic is also advancing its next-generation spacecraft program. The company expects to begin flight testing with a captive carry flight in October 2026, while rocket production is scheduled to start in the fourth quarter. Its first commercial spaceflight is now expected in February 2027, with a second spaceship planned to join the fleet in March 2027.

With strong customer demand, upcoming flight-test milestones and an expanding fleet, Virgin Galactic is working to scale commercial operations and achieve positive quarterly cash flow in 2027.

How Does the Zacks Consensus Estimate Compare for LUNR & SPCE?

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for LUNR’s 2026 sales implies a year-over-year improvement of 338.9%, while that for EPS suggests a 59.5% decline. The stock’s 2026 and 2027 EPS estimates have moved south over the past 60 days.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SPCE’s 2026 EPS implies a year-over-year improvement of 60.3%, while that for sales suggests a 24% decline. The stock’s 2026 and 2027 EPS estimates have moved north over the past 60 days.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Stock Price Performance: LUNR vs. SPCE

In the past six months, SPCE has outperformed LUNR. While SPCE’s shares surged 47%, LUNR lost 4.5%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

SPCE’s Valuation More Attractive Than LUNR

LUNR is trading at a premium, with its forward 12-month price/sales of 3.26X being more than SPCE’s forward price/sales of 2.25X.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Final Call

Both Intuitive Machines and Virgin Galactic are benefiting from growing opportunities in the space industry. LUNR is expanding its lunar, satellite and space infrastructure businesses, while SPCE is advancing toward commercial spaceflight and seeing strong customer demand.

However, SPCE has outperformed LUNR in recent months, while its EPS estimates have improved and its valuation remains more attractive. LUNR offers stronger expected sales growth, but declining EPS estimates and a higher price-to-sales multiple weigh on its near-term appeal. Considering these factors, Virgin Galactic appears better positioned at present.

At present, SPCE carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), while LUNR carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).

You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here.

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This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

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