TLDR
- MDA Space leads on revenue, profit, and backlog, while Intuitive targets faster 2026 growth ahead.
- Intuitive Machines expects 2026 revenue near $1 billion after expanding through the Lanteris acquisition deal.
- MDA reported $1.6 billion in 2025 revenue and stayed profitable across two reported years straight.
- Both firms serve the growing space infrastructure market, but their risk profiles remain very different.
- MDA’s $3.7 billion backlog gives investors clearer revenue visibility than Intuitive’s smaller backlog right now.
Space stocks are drawing more attention as governments and companies spend more on space systems. The market includes satellites, lunar vehicles, ground stations, robotics, and defense services. Intuitive Machines and MDA Space now offer two different paths for investors watching this sector.
Intuitive Machines Builds Around Fast Revenue Growth
Intuitive Machines calls itself a “space infrastructure company.” Its work includes spacecraft, ground communication stations, payload services, lunar vehicles, and orbital systems. The company also supports launches and satellite operations.
The firm expanded its reach through the Lanteris Space Systems deal in January. Intuitive described Lanteris as “a proven spacecraft manufacturer” for national security, civil, and commercial customers. The deal was valued at $800 million in cash and stock.
Intuitive reported more than $210 million in 2025 revenue. It now forecasts 2026 revenue between $900 million and $1 billion. Its backlog stood at $943 million as of February.
The company still reported a net loss above $100 million in 2025. However, that loss was lower than its 2024 loss of more than $346 million. For Intuitive Machines stock, the main case rests on faster sales growth.
MDA Space Brings Profit And A Larger Backlog
MDA Space has operated for far longer than Intuitive Machines. It was founded in 1969 and works in satellites, robotics, observation services, and debris protection systems. Its business serves civil, commercial, and defense customers.
The company also expanded through acquisitions. It bought SatixFy Communications in July 2025. That purchase added satellite technology and more than 60 patents to MDA’s portfolio.
MDA reported record 2025 revenue of $1.6 billion. That was 51% higher than its 2024 revenue. For 2026, management forecasts revenue between $1.7 billion and $1.9 billion.
Profit also separates MDA Space stock from Intuitive Machines stock. MDA reported net income of $108.5 million in 2025. It also earned $79.4 million in 2024.
Which Industrial Space Stock Looks Stronger?
The two companies sit at different stages. Intuitive Machines is growing faster, but it remains unprofitable. MDA Space is growing more slowly, but it already earns money.
Backlog also gives MDA a stronger base. MDA reported a $3.7 billion backlog in its latest update. Intuitive reported less than $1 billion in backlog.
MDA’s first-quarter 2026 revenue reached $464 million, up 32%. Net income fell 10% to $29.6 million. Management linked the drop to costs from the SatixFy acquisition.
Based on the reported numbers, MDA Space has the stronger current case. It has more revenue, larger backlog, and positive earnings. Intuitive Machines remains a higher-risk growth stock in the industrial space market.
Get 3 Free Stock Ebooks
Discover top-performing stocks in AI, Crypto, and Technology with expert analysis.
- Top 10 AI Stocks - Leading AI companies
- Top 10 Crypto Stocks - Blockchain leaders
- Top 10 Tech Stocks - Tech giants
