Core Viewpoint - Analyst Andres Shepard from Cantor Fitzgerald predicts a potential 70% upside for Intuitive Machines and Rocket Lab by 2026, driven by increasing government demand [1]. Group 1: Intuitive Machines - Intuitive Machines' stock has dropped nearly 50% this year, but Shepard maintains a strong optimistic outlook, setting a target price of $16, indicating a 70% upside from current levels [7]. - The company is in a "recovery phase" following a failed lunar mission earlier this year, where its lander named "Athena" was unable to complete its mission [7]. - Intuitive Machines plans to complete the acquisition of satellite manufacturer Lanteris Space System by early 2026, which is expected to enhance its operational capabilities and bring in $920 million in contract orders, with nearly three-quarters from Lanteris [7]. - The company is one of three bidding for NASA's "lunar orbiter" contract, which has a total potential value of $4.6 billion, with initial contract amounts between $600 million to $800 million [8]. Group 2: Rocket Lab - Rocket Lab's stock has shown a steady increase this year, with a nearly 80% rise since 2025 [2][9]. - The company achieved a record revenue of $155 million in the third quarter, with a backlog of orders amounting to approximately $1.1 billion [9]. - Rocket Lab's business is divided into launch services and space systems, successfully launching 75 missions to date, with expectations to break its annual launch record [9]. - Shepard has set a target price of $72 for Rocket Lab, suggesting a nearly 70% upside from its current price, and maintains an "overweight" rating on the stock [9]. - The company is executing a $515 million contract with the U.S. Space Development Agency and is bidding for another project worth up to $900 million [9].